Hiking to Everest base camp for kidney patients in Wales!

In November 2022, trained pilot and outdoor pursuit instructor Huw Carey will be hiking to Mount Everest’s base camp for Kidney Wales, in memory of his mum.

For over 40 years Huw has been an avid adventurer, with a passion for taking on a challenge. He shares his enthusiasm for the outdoors by leading courses and expeditions through his company Butchers Arms Outdoor Adventures. He has taken on some incredible challenges over the years but nothing like this. Nothing like trekking to the base camp of the tallest place on earth.

In 2019 Huw lost his mother. Huws mother was a kidney patient who spent 5 years on dialysis. Huw first became aware of dialysis through Rugby legend Jonah Lomu, whom he met years ago and remained friendly with.

Huw said “I remember seeing him [Jonah] after his dialysis session and seeing the toll it took on him. I remember thinking how strong he was and how strong mum was to go through that”

It takes incredible strength to be a kidney patient. Huws mum remained positive “loving life until she was too poorly to party on”. Now, Huw wants to conquer his November challenge in her memory and for all the brave kidney patients in Wales. And it will be a challenge, Huw begins his journey by flying into Lukla (this is worth a google), one of the worlds most dangerous airports. The 12 day trip takes the group to Kala Patthar, just above base camp, to a clear view of Mount Everest. They will set off at 3:30am climbing for 3hrs to see the sun rise over the mountain.

Chair Judith Stone said “We are so grateful for the dedication of amazing supporters, like Huw, who have direct experience of supporting loved ones with CKD, and who choose to take positive action and inspire others to engage with fundraising activities.  Funds independently raised by our supporters are a vital part of the diverse mix of income streams that enable us to continue supporting the Welsh kidney community.”

Trekking with fellow outdoor fans Geraint Thomas and Dai Powell, training has already begun for the hikers, and it includes a lot of walking. Huw has never trekked Everest base camp before, he wants to complete this awesome challenge for Kidney Wales, to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity and of the importance of organ donation. 100% of the money Huw raises will help kidney patients in Wales.

Huw is driven to help raise money and awareness of kidney disease. He has witnessed first hand how it affects those living with it and the loved ones around them. Huw said “I remember her battling with the diet restrictions and a loss of appetite. My mum couldn’t eat bananas and struggled with the fluid restrictions.”

Huw said he was, and is still, inspired by the kidney community, his mum was surrounded by positive people, friends who she shared lived experiences with. The Dialysis centre in Merthyr, the people there and the nurses where amazing. Huw recalled them using a vein scanner to find a more comfortable place for her dialysis tubes at a time where she would dread going to treatment. “I am so grateful to them all for the compassion and dedication they showed to my mum and to all patients” “The community and closeness made those challenging times so much easier, like a family and community support network.”

Managing Director Ross Evans said “The Kidneys play a massively important role in helping to keep our bodies functioning; however, the role of the kidneys and kidney health are often overlooked.  In fact, in a recent survey*, 80% of UK adults were not aware what the main functions of the kidneys were.  Confirming what we hear at Kidney Wales all too often, people have little understanding of their kidneys and kidney disease.”

“We recently launched our new Volunteer Ambassador Programme. The Volunteer Ambassador role is part of an awareness raising project wherein our supporters with a personal connection to kidney disease give awareness talks in their community and across Wales.”

“Here at Kidney Wales, we rely on passionate individuals like Huw, who want to do all they can to raise awareness of CKD [chronic kidney disease]. I would like to thank Huw, for taking on the challenge of trekking to Everest Base Camp. This has been an emotional time for the Kidney Wales family and on behalf of all the team we wish him all the best of luck!”

Find out how you can support Huw and Kidney Wales today. Email [email protected]

*Kidney Research UK funded research findings 2022