Emma Rees and her brother, David, are embarking on an extraordinary journey to Nepal, hiking 105km over 11 days to reach Everest Base Camp – all in aid of The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) and four other organisations close to their hearts.
For Emma, the challenge holds deep personal significance. With the help of her hiking group and David, she will build a small stone cairn at Base Camp in memory of her beloved son, George, whose life was tragically lost to suicide last year.
Emma, who lives in Norfolk, explained that TAAS played a vital role in giving her and George’s loved ones precious final hours together.
“When George was found, a very dear family friend immediately began CPR. The Air Ambulance crew arrived and with the support of the land ambulance teams, they did everything they possibly could,” Emma shared.
“Although George could not be saved, their dedication meant he was stabilised long enough for us – his family and friends – to be by his side in hospital, to talk to him, to hold him and, ultimately, to say goodbye. That time was a gift we will never, ever forget.”
Through this fundraising challenge, Emma hopes to raise awareness of the life-changing and life-honouring work of the charity. “The Air Ambulance Service doesn’t just save lives,” she said. “Crews can intervene in moments of tremendous tragedy and give families time. Time for moments that have truly made a difference to our journey through the most unbearable grief. The crew’s professionalism, persistence and compassion continue to mean everything to us.”
Emma has previously completed two major hikes in Morocco and Spain but says this one will be her most meaningful yet. “Reaching Everest Base Camp will be hugely overwhelming,” she said. “Building the stone cairn for George will be a symbol of love and remembrance. It will feel as though I am leaving a little piece of George in the Himalayas, as I did on Mt Mulhacen in Spain last year.”
The siblings will join a guided group tour on their journey, trekking through the Himalayan landscape to an altitude of over 5,545 metres. They hope their efforts will inspire others to support The Air Ambulance Service and the essential work they do every day.
The Air Ambulance Service is a charity, comprising of Your Local Air Ambulance (YLAA) that covers five counties across the midlands and the National Children’s Air Ambulance (NCAA). They receive no government funding and rely entirely on public and private donations.
Emma and David set off on their adventure on Thursday 6 November. If you would like to support them and donate, please visit: Emma & David’s hike for George
