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Two Mahurangi mates will set-off this weekend on a challenge to raise money for the Himalayan Trust.
Bayleys in the North owner Mark Macky and Springboard founder Gary Diprose will walk two of New Zealand’s great walks in under 24 hours to raise funds in memory of Sir Edmund Hillary.
“We got together and decided to do something to help the cause that was so close to Sir Ed’s heart – the Himalayan Trust,” Mark says.
the last nine years, four events have been run raising $45,000. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Sir Ed’s death, as well as being the 65th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest.
“All our ‘adventures’ have revolved around the bush/mountains in New Zealand and all have been designed to push us physically and psychologically,” Mark says.
“The first one was walking the three highest peaks in the North Island (Taranaki, Ruapehu and Tongariro) in under 24 hours – fair to say it was hard work and pushed the limits a bit.
“This year, we’ve decided to do something equally crazy in the hope that people will think it’s a worthy cause to sponsor – walking two great walks in a day instead of the recommended as a five day hike.”
The two friends are starting at the Caples Track, which then joins the Routeburn, around 6pm this Friday (Feb 23) and hoping to finish by 6pm on Saturday night.
Both Gary and Mark have been to Nepal in the last 18 months, and have seen first-hand the work the Himalayan Trust is doing.
“Over the 60 years the trust has been in place the impact of its work is visible right through the Solukhumbu region in terms of schools, hospitals, airstrips, water and trees – many of the things we take for granted that have made such a massive difference to individuals, families and communities.”
Mark and Gary say it is a privilege to be able to continue to help with these initiatives in Sir Ed’s honour.
If anyone would like to make a donation to this great cause, or thinks these lads are crazy enough to deserve a bit of support for their efforts, please visit
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/two-great-walks-in-24-hours
Any help would be appreciated.
