Chatswood High School

We were fortunate enough to attend a Leadership Forum that Allan and I co-presented. We delivered a specific package designed around overcoming adversity, focusing on leadership, realizing your potential and teamwork.

We also incorporated some fun interactive activities  which the students thoroughly enjoyed and showed their appreciation with a rousing reception.

We had a great time and the Everest footage was well received.

Speaking with the students, our future leaders and ambassadors, is such a rewarding and enriching experience, and we are always on such a high afterwards.

The quality of the questions focusing on emotional development, hardship and identifying your strengths and weaknesses, were highly impressive.

We can’t wait to getting back to addressing the entire school in June this year.

Thanks Sue and your wonderful staff and students for making us feel so welcome.

Can’t believe a week has already passed!
Just wanted to pop in and say thank you for the most motivational presentation
I personally have ever listened to!
Cannot wait until you come back and tell the whole school about all of your experiences and how much potential every individual has!
 Kathy O’Hallorhan (Student)

On behalf of all Chatswood High School students, thanks again, and have a lovely weekend!

School visits

We are currently structuring a workshop and presentation package geared towards schools around Australia.

Whilst we will continue to be involved in our corporate and fundraising commitments we have decided that we would really love to expand our presence and share our amazing story with the wonderful kids around Australia.

Contours Gyms

I was invited to come along to their National 6 Week Challenge information evening at Innisfail and Cairns for their members to help motivate and inspire the energetic women to undertake this fitness challenge.

Both evenings were amazing and the hospitality shown by Pauline and Colin Gleeson was wonderful.

I will be leading the group of ladies as part of this challenge to climb the Pyramid just outside of Cairns on the 18^th of March. Our base camp trekkers are also going to come along for a morning of good solid fitness. Walsh’s pyramid stands at 922m and is an independent peak with a distinct pyramid appearance. It is home to the annual pyramid race held every August.

Everest Base Camp

It is now less than 50 days till our Everest base camp trip, we have a full group and everyone is training hard. All our flights and accommodation have been taken care of and we are just finalizing the visas.

This is going to be a fantastic trip and we are fully expecting our clients to have some wonderful and possible life changing experiences.

We will be running the same trek next year and already have great interest. If you are looking for that special challenge, don’t hold back, life is short, come along and Find your Everest!

I will close with a good motivational quote to think about.
Don’t be afraid your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin. – Grace Hansen

Sharon

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Unfortunately we have had to postpone the event in Townsville for a couple of weeks.  We will be advertising and doing a press release shortly, and will hopefully get down there in the next couple of weeks, speaking at the Townsville RSL.

Sydney Charity Night

Allan and I will be heading down to Sydney on the 24th of March 2012 to speak at a charity night to raise funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.  See the details below if you are interested in coming along.

Allan and I have been asked to do another film night, this time in Townsville.  Once again, all profits are going to the Cancer Council Queensland, and they have arranged the venue and media for the event.

I gave an interview on the ABC this morning about the event, and already the bookings are starting to come in.  We really don’t know what to expect, as we are both not familiar with Townsville, but are looking forward to meeting a few of the locals and sharing our journey with them.

Everest Base Camp Trek

We have a great group for the upcoming Everest Base Camp trek starting on April 28th.  People are getting excited and starting to organise their trekking gear.  Allan will be organising a bush walk in the the next few weeks for the Cairns crew. 

The countdown on the site has now been reset for the Everest Base Camp trek, only 81 sleeps to go.

We still have a couple of spots available, if you are interested, send me an email.

Speak soon

Cheers

Sharon

When you get to the top of the mountain, keep climbing – Zen Proverb

Doesn’t time fly, firstly I must apologise for not having posted a blog in a while.  I must say that it has been a hectic start to the New Year, but it’s been really exciting.

Film Night

On the 14^th of January, we ran a film night at Whitfield House.  We had a great response, with around 130 people attending, which exceeded the room’s capacity, so unfortunately a few people had to stand.  Allan opened the proceedings and also introduced Sumit, who gave a short presentation on the Everest region.  I had a quick chat about the climb, and the difficulties involved in expedition life before showing a 30 minute film from our Everest summit climb.  People really seemed to enjoy the footage, and the overall feedback was incredible.  In hindsight, and despite a couple of technical issues, we wished we had allowed more time, as we could have continued with questions for a fair bit longer.

I would just like to say a quick thanks to Joy and Henry for offering your beautiful facilities to us for the night. (http://www.whitfieldhousecairns.com.au)

Also, we really appreciate the support of our local community including the great write-up’s in the Cairns Post and Cairns Sun, Zinc FM and the ABC radio stations, as well as Bang Coffee (http://bangespresso.com.au), Amanda Gale Physio (http://amandagalephysio.com.au),  It’s Extreme Adventure (http://itsextreme.com) and Port Douglas IGA (http://www.cornetts.com.au) who all helped to promote the event.

We live in a wonderful part of the world, and it is great when local people get behind you.

Everest Base Camp Trip

Things are progressing well with the planning for the EBC trek.  We have decided we are only going to run one trip, from the 28^th of April to the 17^th of May 2012, as it was too difficult for Allan to get the extra time off work, especially with the climb in Tibet towards the end of the year.

We have a great group, with trekkers from Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Western Australia and five Cairns locals confirmed.  Everyone has started training and is getting excited about this incredible adventure.

If you are interested, let me know as we have a couple of spots left.

Back to back 8000m peaks

Our planning and dates have been set for Shishapangma and Cho Oyu in Tibet.  We are just working out the logistics and climbing permits, which should be fine.  It looks like the old Everest climbing team will be re-uniting, with Raul and Chris coming along.  Without doubt, this is going to be a really difficult and challenging undertaking, as climbing one 8000’er is hard enough, let alone attempting them back to back.  The plan is to take on Shisha, and then travel to Cho Oyu and without the need to acclimatize, attempt to ascend the mountain in one continuous push, over a number of days.

To my knowledge, this has only been achieved by one other Australian, Andrew Locke, who is also part of an elite group of people who has also climbed all 14 of the 8000 mountains.

Our overall objective is to slowly chip away at the 14, and see how we go.  There is now discussion that K2 is on the agenda for 2014, but at this stage, we will just take it one mountain at a time.  I am so excited about the challenge, but I suppose I can’t get too far ahead of myself.

Well done Chris

Our close friend and climbing partner Chris Burke recently returned home from a successful expedition of Mt Vinson Massif (4892m), being the highest mountain in Antarctica.  Good work buddy.

Speaking Plans

We continue to have great interest on the speaking side of things, and head down to Townsville on the 16^th of February for another film night with proceeds going to the Cancer Council.  Hopefully we can generate some interest down there and get people excited.

I am also speaking at upcoming events for Contours Women’s Fitness, which I am really excited about.  Hopefully I can motivate some ladies to go on and realise their potential, and also gain some personal inspiration from their stories.

We have been booked in to present at a number of schools, in both Queensland and NSW.  We are really looking forward to this, as it is great fun chatting with the kids.  They really get involved, and love watching the climbing footage and asking great questions.

I have a feeling this is going to be a busy year with the climbing, trekking and speaking engagements, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  It is a great feeling to share our story with people, and hopefully it is something we can continue to do for many years to come.

I hope everyone is well, and have had a great start to the New Year.

Speak soon

Sharon

We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think.  Words are secondary.  Thoughts live; they live far – Swami Vivekananda

On behalf of Allan and I, and Jahn our Husky, we are wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and an adventurous New Year.

For us, it has been a year full of highs and lows, from achieving our goal of climbing Everest, to losing my beautiful Dad to cancer.

We are already looking forward to the New Year, with a challenging expedition to Shishapangma and Cho Oyu planned, and also two treks to Everest Base Camp.

We have an Everest Base Camp information night planned at Whitfield House for the 14th of January 2012 (information below) and our friend and climbing guru Sumit Joshi, is heading over from Nepal to discuss the trip.

Once again, we would like to say a huge thanks to everyone for their ongoing support throughout the year.  May Santa be kind to you all.

Cheers

Sharon

EBC Trek Information Night

Where: Whitfield House


50 Collins Ave, Edge Hill

When: Saturday 14th January 2012

Time: 6.30pm -8.00pm

Cost: $10.00 per person (proceeds to Cancer Council)



Limited seating. Bookings essential

Contact: Sharon (M) 0423 769 980 or
sharon@climbingforacause.com.au

I am actually recovering tonight from a sinus operation, so I have a few moments to jot down what has been happening.  I have been that busy that I have just not got around to posting a blog, no excuse, I have been slack.

Allan has gone back to work, but has still managed to get time off to accompany me to various speaking engagements.

Bali Bliss

We were so lucky to be invited to join the team from Engineered Environments based in Sydney, on a week holiday to Bali.  We had a ball, and enjoyed pure luxury in a private villa with a spectacular horizon pool, all set in the rice fields. Our close friends Robbi and Di, along with Ross and Kim, Craig and Tanya, and their two girls Samantha and Chloe all enjoyed the Bali experience, sampling some exotic food and the occasional Bintang or two.  It was great to go somewhere and not have to do too much but simply relax, and we certainly managed plenty of that.  Thanks so much guys for inviting us, it was a truly memorable experience, and may have to become a yearly pilgrimage.

St Augustine’s School

We were invited to speak with the Grade 8 and 9 students at St Augustine’s in Cairns.  They were a great bunch of kids, and loved the presentation.  It’s great fun and very satisfying speaking about the climb and showing the footage.  We even dressed up a few of the students in my down suit, boots, gloves and oxygen mask, which was hilarious.

Photo shoot

On the 30^th of November, I took part in a photo session for the Cancer Council calendar.  The photos were taken by Blue Click photography, and I had a ball, complete with pampering, including hair and make-up.  I am not sure in which month I appear, but I am dressed as a 70’s air-hostess.

Keep an eye out for the calendar, which is released next week, as all proceeds go to the Cancer Council.  If you are not in Cairns, and would like one, let me know, and I will try and post one to you.

Lifetime Financial

On the 1^st of December we both headed down to Brisbane to speak at the Summit Restaurant at Mt Cootha for the clients of Lifetime Financial.  What a fitting venue for a presentation on Mt Everest.  This was the 1^st time Allan and I co-presented in front of adults, as we normally both speak to school kids, and the feedback was great.  Allan spoke about the Breast Cancer journey from a carer’s perspective, relaying the personal pain, struggles and even depression that comes with watching someone you love go through the emotional and physical affects of the disease.

We both shared our climbing experiences, and showed some of the great footage of the climb.  Thanks Mark, Anthony and Stephanie for looking after us.

Melbourne

On the 8^th of December, we attended the Fern Tree Gully Cricket Club, for the retirement function of Dr Jack Fidler, a Melbourne gynaecologist.  The venue was at full capacity with around 150 people in the room, which showed the popularity and great career of this wonderful man.  Jack, a fanatical Essendon fan, had invited me along as his guest speaker.

I was so honoured to present for this wonderful occasion, and Allan and I had the opportunity to meet some great people after the event.  I am always blown away at the response from the audience, and love chatting to people about their own personal journey’s and triumphs.

Dorevitch Pathology

We were invited to speak at a function for Dorevitch Pathology the following night at the Groove Train in Chapel Street.  Dorevitch, the largest Pathology group in Victoria, invited their VIP doctors along for a great night.   Once again we were made welcome, and everyone responded really well to the Everest story.  At the end of the night, Allan and I were even signing autographs, which was a 1^st for us.

Catching up

Unfortunately we could not catch up with our good mates Louise and Everett, due to a hectic schedule, but were lucky enough to spend Sunday morning with my old school buddy Craig, his adorable wife Kate and their four kids.  We spent the time relaxing in the park, catching up on the latest, whilst the three boys spent the time kicking the footy and wrestling Allan to the ground, or maybe it was the other way around.

Some friendships just last forever, and I am so grateful.

Film Night

I am just sorting out the finer details for the Everest Film night, which is scheduled at Whitfield House on the 14^th of January 2012.  It is going to be a great night, with Sumit, our expedition leader flying over from Nepal to share his experience and climbing stories.  I will be posting the final details in the next few days, so please come along and share with us our climb to the summit of Mt Everest.

Apart from Bali, I do not have any photographs, as we have not replaced the camera that is still lost somewhere between Camp 4 at 8000m and the summit of Everest.  Our little spare has finally packed it in.  Maybe Santa will be kind.

On behalf of Allan and I, we would like to wish everyone a magical Christmas, enjoy it and cherish the time you spend with loved ones.  It has been a roller coaster of a ride this year, having experienced a wonderful high and a dreadful low.  Life is like that, you never know what is around the corner.

Cheers

Sharon

It is what it is – Shoemark

Things are progressing really well with the trek into Everest Base Camp in April and May next year.  We have almost filled one group, and met up with another great couple today who are super keen.  We now have a number of trekkers from Cairns and a few from Sydney.  Allan can’t wait to get started with the training program in the New Year, once the indulgences of the festive season are over.

If you are keen or even just thinking about this wonderful adventure, but don’t think you are fit enough, give us a call and we can discuss it further.  It really is a truly incredible part of the world that everyone should experience at least once in his or her life.

Come on, take the plunge, and set yourself a fantastic goal for next year.

Mike Le Roux – Extreme Ultra Endurance Athlete

We caught up with Mike today, and you would not have thought he had competed in a 74km race on the weekend.  When we spoke a few weeks ago, he had not decided on his race plan.  Obviously there was no doubt on race day, go out hard and run from the front, and that is where he stayed for the entire race.

As Mike said, ‘Going out hard is easy, hanging on is not.’

Despite the heat, intensity and muscle soreness, Mike finished the race in 6 hours and 45 minutes, around 30 minutes ahead of the next competitor.  What an incredible achievement again, congratulations Mike, you are a champion.  You can check out Mike’s website for the latest updates at www.mikeleroux.com.au

Speak soon

Cheers

Sharon

No matter how hard the past, one can always begin again today – Buddha

On Friday, Allan and I attended St Mary’s Primary School in North Sydney.  Ciara Ryan, who is in Year 6 and the school captain had been following my Everest journey, and invited us to come along and have a chat with the students.

What a great day it was.  After opening the assembly, we made our way to one of the classrooms, which had been set up for us, featuring a fashionable mannequin sporting my down suit and oxygen mask.

It was an unbelievably enriching experience, as we spoke with all the students in three separate sessions, made up of the grade 1 and 2’s, 3 and 4’s, and 5 and 6’s.  All the children were so interested, and loved watching the climbing footage and inspecting our equipment.

We could have stayed all day, as the questions just kept coming, but after spending over 4 hours, we were actually feeling pretty exhausted.  I never realised how tiring it can get in the classroom; my hat goes off to all those teachers who do this day in day out.

We got back to our hotel and collapsed, and after having a quick afternoon kip, we headed back to St Mary’s School for a wine night.

Ciara’s father, Martin, who is the president of the P & F association, had arranged the informal event, which was the perfect opportunity for us to meet all the parents, whilst at the same time, sampling some wine and tasty snacks.

On Saturday, Martin and his lovely wife Mary invited us for lunch, and put on an amazing spread. We had a great afternoon with the girls Ciara, Maeve and Fiona, and spent most of the time laughing at their hilarious stories.

Thanks again to the Ryan family for your wonderful hospitality and gifts, and St Mary’s school for the star treatment and the wonderful Mandela book.

Speak soon

Sharon

Each one has to find his peace from within.  And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances – Mahatma Gandhi

I had a great day last Saturday when I was invited to speak to 60 creative women, all busy making cards and crafting paper.  As it turned out, Shaneen, who runs Stampin’ Up in Cairns, had arranged a fundraiser to support Climbing for a Cause.

The energy in the room was awesome, and I felt very relaxed sharing my story.  There is something very calming about a room full of likeminded ladies, especially when they were all engaged in highlighting their artistic flair and talent.

Under the close instruction of my friend Leah, I had the opportunity to make a few cards, and was pleasantly surprised that they actually turned out.  That’s Christmas sorted for this year.

I was able to chat with a few of the ladies, who shared their personal stories, some involving challenging and difficult times, and I felt good that I could help and give a little bit of inspiration.

Thanks Shaneen and the Stampin’ Up crew for your amazing support, it was really overwhelming.  If you are keen to get involved, please visit www.stampinup.com for more information.

Friends of Himalayan Children

Later that night, Allan and I went along to the Friends of Himalayan fundraising dinner.  My mate Roz Pulley, well-known journalist for the Cairns Sun, who has tirelessly followed my journey from the beginning, hosted the event, and Som Tamang, recent recipient of a Pride of Australia medal, and founder of the organisation, put on a feast of dal baht and other Nepalese delicacies.  I cannot imagine cooking for 80 people, but Som pulled it off with flying colours, and the food was sensational.

After dinner, I delivered a short presentation, and showed some footage from the Everest climb.  It was a beautiful relaxing night, and a great environment to highlight the beauty of Nepal.  We met some great people, some of whom have decided to join us on the Everest Base Camp trek next year.

Speak soon

Sharon

It is in the very heart of our activity that we search for our goal – Rabindranath Tagore

One of my closest friends Emma, along with her tireless and hardworking committee, were again successful in putting together another great event, which has had fantastic support from Cairns locals for the past 4 years.

Around 150 women, all looking stunning and resplendid in Pink, enjoyed the entertainment and temptations on offer, including a little champagne, and of course, strawberries dipped in chocolate.

I was invited to deliver a short 20-minute presentation, which included footage from the recent Everest climb.  I received tremendous feedback, and connected with many ladies in the audience.

I always love speaking at these events, but the true pleasure comes in talking with people afterwards, and listening to their individual stories.  People really open up and share their experiences when they have watched you bare your soul.

For me personally, I had one of the most powerful and heartwarming experiences, in meeting a remarkable and gracious lady by the name of Carol Wheaton.  Carol had travelled down from Julatten, being roughly a 3-hour round-trip, especially to meet me, as she had been following my journey from the very beginning.

Carol is a guitar teacher and talented musician, who has produced a soulful and touching compilation of songs, and selflessly given her time and talent, donating the entire proceeds towards Breast Cancer research.

Carol is going through her own difficult journey with breast cancer, which she shared with me, and I instantly felt a deep connection and warmth towards her.

That night, when I returned home, I played her CD, and was moved to tears by the strength and courage of this amazing lady, who despite her own personal struggles, has still managed to produce a very special gift from the heart.

I plan on travelling to Julatten as soon as possible to spend some time with Carol, as she has touched me so deeply.  Cancer is cruel, and does not discriminate.

I honestly believe, now more than ever, that if each of us can affect or inspire just one person in our lives, then we have done a good job.

I don’t want to harp, but I also plan on selling Carol’s CD’s through my website, and also at my upcoming speaking events, so remember, if you see the pink CD sleeve, please spend the $15, knowing that the funds are all going to the Cancer Council, and as an added bonus, you will have the pleasure of listening to the voice of an angel.

The person worth listening to is often the quietest person. - Japanese proverb