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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click on image to enlarge

Everest One

I am so excited, EverestOne is now registered and the name of my new business.  I will still be operating the Climbing for a Cause website and name for all cancer fundraising and charity events, whilst EverestOne will be used to focus on the motivational speaking engagements and adventure trekking in Nepal.

Pride of Australia medal

Last Friday, I attended the Courier Mail Pride of Australia medal 2011, as a finalist in the Courage category.  I was up against some pretty stiff competition, with Scott Sullivan and Desley Stephens in the shortlist.   Scott Sullivan, who, at 38 years of age, was diagnosed with Motor Neurons, a disease with no known cure, commenced the MND and Me website, and since then has raised significant funds and awareness towards this horrible disease.

Congratulations Scott, you are a true champion.   You can follow Scott’s story at http://www.mndandme.net

Well done also to Som Tamang and Jenna-Maree Jacob for your outstanding achievements in winning your respective categories.  You guys did the Far North proud.

I now plan on sharing my story, from the tragic lows to the remarkable highs, with as many people as possible.  This includes expanding my audience, and merging my personal journey with the business community, focusing on a motivational /inspirational theme and also being triumphant and achieving success in the face of adversity.

I have another five speaking engagements booked in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne before the end of the year, to audiences from the business sector including the legal, financial and medical professions.  I am so excited and can’t wait to attend these events.

I am also trying to visit as many school children as I can, from both Primary and Secondary schools, and have already been booked in Cairns and Sydney.

If you are interested in having me attend your business or school to speak, please contact me via the website.

Professionals Fundraiser in Sydney

Allan and I recently returned home from Sydney, where I was invited to speak at the Professionals Real Estate Group annual conference.  This year the event was held at the Opera House, and what an incredible night it was.  Once again, the management from the Professionals, despite the difficult financial times, were able to raise a large sum of money towards Breast Cancer research.

We managed to catch up with some great people, many of whom we met last year, who were all excited to hear about what Allan and I had been up to.  I delivered my presentation to around 250 people, and included some incredible footage and photos from our Everest climb.  The feedback was sensational, and everyone really seemed to enjoy the show.

My Climbing for a Cause summit flag was auctioned off on the night with the highest bidders being the Professionals Board of Directors.  I was over the moon, and the framed flag will be taking pride of place in their boardroom.

Thanks again for your support and providing another memorable night.

Visiting Dad

Allan and I managed to catch the train out to the Woronora cemetery in Sydney where we spent a few hours with Dad.  Allan took a few beers along, and gave Dad a Tooheys, his favourite and drank the other.  It was very emotional and at the same time calming to spend some quiet time with Dad.  I miss him so much.

Pride of Australia medal

Next Friday, I have been invited to attend Customs House in Brisbane, as I have been selected as a finalist in the Pride of Australia medal in the Courage division.  There are some wonderful people nominated in this category, all of whom would be deserving winners.  I am so proud just to have been selected as a finalist.

I apologise for the delay in posting my blog.  I intend in the future, to create a fortnightly newsletter, highlighting what has been happening, and also adding a few feature stories and competitions, so stay tuned.

If you get a chance, make sure you check out the website, and have a look at the new photo montage of my journey.

Speak soon

Sharon

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary – Steve Jobs

It was great to get out and socialise, and meet some wonderful people including Ken’s brother, Benji, and Paddy and Christine, along with their incredible daughters Eva and Niamh.

Eva and me

As it turned out, Eva had contacted me a few months ago to find out a bit about my life before and after the Everest climb.  Eva, who is in Year 6 at Our Lady Help of Christian’s school was preparing an assignment, where she was required to write and present a speech on someone who inspires her.  Eva chose me.

Eva contacted me only last week to tell me that she received an A for her presentation and represented her school in the Year 6 and 7 category in an inter-school competition.  What an amazing achievement.

On Sunday night, we were all fortunate enough to listen to Eva deliver her presentation.  It was brilliant, and I was really taken back.  It was so inspiring to see such a talented young girl deliver such an impressive speech, and incredible that she had such a remarkable knowledge of my life from going through breast cancer, leading up to and conquering Mt Everest.  Eva even knew the names of the previous mountains Allan and I had climbed.

It was one of the most humbling experiences I have had, and it made everything I do seem worthwhile.  Thanks Eva, I absolutely loved it, and can’t wait to visit your school.

Sharon

“This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease.” – Robert Kennedy