Less than four months after reaching the top of the world's highest freestanding mountain, 16-year-old Clinton Shard is preparing to brave high altitude once again by trekking to Mount Everest base camp in March.
Shard, who suffers from Crohn's Disease, is again joining IBD Adventures to raise funds and awareness for the Intestinal Disease Education and Awareness Society (IDEAS). Last September, he contributed nearly $9,000 to the more than $30,000 that the team raised by trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Shard's experience in Africa should serve him well when he sets out on the 10-day trek to the Nepal base camp, which is located at an altitude of 5,360 metres. He didn't know how his body was going to react before his last journey.
"I'm going into it with a little more confidence just because I know I can function pretty well at high altitudes. But we still are at high altitudes so stuff can go wrong and so it's making sure we're fit enough and eating well," he said.
Shard is reuniting with fellow Crohn's Disease sufferer Rob Hill of North Vancouver, who will make his second attempt at completing his goal of climbing the highest summits on each of the world's seven continents. Hill attempted the climb last year but severe intestinal problems forced him off the mountain.
Hill has been a significant role model for Shard, who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease five years ago and has since been hospitalized for a total of about four months.
"It's also about supporting Rob in finishing his seven summits, which is huge. I'm really happy to be able to share it with him," said Shard, adding that his health continues to improve with the help of medication.
Local mountain guide John Furneaux is leading the trek to base camp before continuing up the mountain with Hill. Furneaux reached the top of Everest with fellow Canada West Mountain School guide Brian Jones in 2008 after Hill was forced to stop.
"I'm looking forward to having Clinton come along," said Furneaux. "It's amazing that he has the drive and the ambition to overcome his obstacles and not dwell on them, to get out and reach high for his goals."
Maintaining proper hygiene and diet is tremendously important while getting acclimatized trekking though the Khumbu region of Nepal's Himalayan mountain range. Trekkers need to take a minimum 10 days to make their way to camp in order for their bodies to adjust to the altitude, so the journey is expected to take about three weeks, March 29 to April 19.
In the meantime, Shard is helping organize a garage sale with IDEAS and local youth group the Highland Pixies on March 7 at 40625 Highlands Way North from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those wishing to donate items can contact [email protected].
To make an online donation to help Shard reach his $1,000 target visit www.nogutsknowglory.com.
Shard is also doing a slide show for the Outdoor Leadership Winter Gala Fundraiser onJan. 28 at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 and tickets are available at Don Ross Secondary and Valhalla Pure Outfitters.Proceeds go to the Outdoor Leadership Program.
