Self-confessed ‘adrenaline junkie’ Tracy to tackle world’s biggest peak

“I am not afraid to push myself out of my comfort zone”

A self-confessed adrenaline junkie is to scale the world’s highest mountain to raise money for the charity she works for.

Tracy Hampson, Operations Director for the learning disability charity Hft, is to take on the challenge of trekking the 5,364 metres up Mount Everest in October.

Tracy, from Connor Downs, Cornwall, will be joined by long-time friend Jacquie Cotterill and Hft colleague and Head of Care and Support for the East region, Ian Earey, for the 11-day trek into the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas.

The team is aiming to raise £15,000 for the charity which supports adults with learning disabilities across England and Wales.

Tracy, 61, is now busy getting in training for the epic challenge to reach the mountain’s base camp and has appointed a personal trainer.

“This is a real challenge for me,” said Tracy, “I don’t even own a pair of hiking boots.

“I do get out and about on the beach with the dog, but walking is not something I enjoy as a pastime.”

As well as working alongside her personal trainer has started a regime of strength-based training.

“I am nervous, but am determined to work really hard to ensure I am fit enough to take on this challenge of a lifetime,” said Tracy.

“I’m working on my training regime and diet with a personal trainer and upping my walking.

“It’s going to take a lot of stamina to complete the journey up Everest, especially when you are trekking so many hours a day and may be starting to feel tired.

“But I am going to push myself through to get to the top.”

This is not Tracy’s first fundraising challenge. She also completed a parachute jump, raising £2,000 for Greenpeace several years ago.

“I do like a challenge and I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie,” she said.

“I’ve done white water rafting, zorbing, quad biking and coasteering and am not afraid to push myself out of my comfort zone.”

Tracy’s motivation as she climbs Everest, which sits 29,029 feet above sea level, will be the work she sees carried out by Hft each day.

“The work we do as a charity every day to help learning disabled people live their lives their way is all the motivation I need to keep me going,” said Tracy.

The challenge – led by experienced guides –  will see the trio start their epic journey in Kathmandu.

Their trip will see them traverse spectacular gorges, hike across suspension bridges and past majestic peaks.

“Doing this challenge with one of my close friends and a work colleague will be the experience of a lifetime and all for an incredible cause.”

Hft Community Fundraising Manager Emma Macdonald said: “We’re delighted that Ian, Tracy and Jacquie will be walking in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain as they trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp.

“We can’t thank them enough for all their efforts which will make a huge difference to the lives of learning disabled adults.”

Anyone who wants to support Tracy’s challenge can donate at www.justgiving.com/page/teamhfteverestbasecampchallenge.