Blake Lapthorn sponsors partner to conquer
Everest
Blake Lapthorn is pleased to announce that it is sponsoring one
of its partners to climb the world's highest mountain, Everest.
David
Gallaway will be leaving behind his responsibilities as head of
the Real Estate department at Blake Lapthorn and
setting off on a ten-week expedition to climb 29,000 ft to the
summit of Mount Everest. As well as the personal challenge, David
hopes to raise a substantial sum to assist with the work of The
Prince's Trust.
David has already experienced the exhilaration of scaling Mont
Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, the Matterhorn, one
of the most famous peaks in the world, and the daunting Swiss Eiger
– all since he turned 60. He has now been invited by the famous
British mountaineering expert, Kenton Cool, to join him on his
eighth ascent of Everest. The record for the oldest Briton to climb
Everest is currently 65 years, achieved by Sir Ranulph Fiennes on
his third attempt. Kenton, who is 36, trained and guided Fiennes to
the top of the North Face of the Eiger in May 2008, raising
millions of pounds for the cancer charity, Marie Curie. Kenton
knows David well having guided him through on the ascent of the
Eiger.
On explaining the challenge, David commented: "It's something I
want to do and I won't know if I can do it until I am there - but,
I don't like the idea of accepting failure. I am delighted to be
supported in this venture by Blake Lapthorn, the law firm where I
have been a partner since 2001. In the past, Blake Lapthorn has
supported many organisations and individuals to help fulfil their
aims and personal challenges. The firm is sharing in my aim and at
the same time helping to raise funds for The Princes Trust, which
is the UK's leading youth charity. We welcome any donations to
support its great work helping young people to gain the skills,
confidence and motivation to find jobs - especially in such a
difficult economic climate."
David has been in strict training since August and is well aware
of the obstacles that high altitude will throw at him, and the
reality that his body may prevent him from succeeding. Many people
are forced to turn back during the last 1,000ft with swelling in
the lungs and/or brain, or temporary blindness, caused by the
reduced air pressure.
Walter
Cha, managing partner of Blake Lapthorn and also chair of The
Prince’s Trust Hampshire Area Development Committee, said: "We wish
David every strength and success in rising to this incredible
challenge. I know, in due course, we will all be fascinated to hear
his personal account of how it feels to face such a physically
demanding task, as well as the sheer exhilaration that such a feat
will bring."
Rosemary Watt-Wyness, London and South East Regional director
for The Prince’s Trust commented: "The funds David will raise from
this extremely exciting challenge will support disadvantaged young
people in need of a second chance - we wish David the very best of
luck and extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for his
efforts.”
For more information contact Daniel Baber, PR
Manager at Blake Lapthorn, on 020 7814 5489 or by email at
daniel.baber@bllaw.co.uk.
notes to editors
fundraising
Donations can be made via the JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/dgclimbingeverest -
by cheque to The Prince's Trust or to David Gallaway at Blake
Lapthorn.
The Prince's Trust
Youth charity The Prince's Trust helps change young lives. It
gives practical and financial support, developing key workplace
skills such as confidence and motivation. It works with 14- to
30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are
long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.
The Prince of Wales’s charity has helped more than 600,000 young
people since 1976 and supports 100 more each working day. More than
three in four young people The Trust helped last year moved into
work, education or training.
Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at
www.princes-trust.org.uk or
on 0800 842 842