Lots of us will have made new year’s resolutions to get fit and healthy in 2012.
LAUREN ARCHELL speaks to an 18-stone man who has begun gruelling training already in preparation to climb Mount Everest at the end of this year.
Most of us will already have given up on our resolutions to lose weight and get fit in the new year, but there is one man who is determined to stick it out.
Liam McGinley, 29, of Kingsway, Dunstable, is training to climb to the Mount Everest base camp in November, losing weight and raising money along the way.
The carpenter is aiming to shift four stone to get down to 14 stone before the climb, as well as attempting to raise more than £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Care.
Mr McGinley (pictured) said: “This event is the perfect opportunity to lose weight and collect sponsorship for a great cause.
“For every pound in weight that I lose I will personally donate £2 to the collection, so if I reach my targeted weight loss, I will have added almost £120 for the fund.”
A website set up to promote the climb also details a list of things Mr McGinley has given up, and the consequences if anyone spots him breaking the rules.
He said: “I’ve completely cut out alcohol, fry ups, fast food and chips.
“If I temporarily lose my willpower and am spotted having a cheeky pint or takeaway, I will also donate the cost of that meal or drink to the fund.”
A strict training regime has also begun to ensure Mr McGinley has the stamina to complete the trek, which includes long walks and boxing.
He said: “I’ve been told there’s no point in doing a lot of running, because I’ll not be running up the mountain.
“Walks along Dunstable Downs and boxing are helping me to increase my endurance and build up the muscle I’ll need on the climb.
“I’ll be hiking about eight to ten hours per day during the challenge, so all the exercise is aimed at ensuring I can keep going even when it gets really tough.”
Liam will be hiking to the Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal which is more than 29,000ft high, and will take a total of 17 days to climb and descend.
The days will start early to make the most of the clearer weather, and periods dedicated to acclimatisation are incorporated into the trek so there is time to appreciate the way of life in Nepal and meet some of the local people.
If successful, he will join a select band of 1,500 people from all over the world who have previously completed the climb.
Mr McGinley has chosen to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care after the charity helped his Mum, Nuala, beat cancer.
He said: “It’s not until you’re personally affected that you realise how important cancer research is, and how crucial every bit of knowledge is.
“The Macmillan nurses were fantastic when my Mum was ill, and hopefully this fundraising can be a way of saying thank you and ensuring the charity is there to help others.”
To try to ensure that the fundraising target is met, activities are currently being planned throughout the year to help raise as much money as possible.
Mr McGinley is going to be running a boxercise class in St Mary’s Church Hall in Dunstable, with all proceeds from the entry fee going straight into the collection fund.
Charity dances and race nights are also in the pipeline and all the details will be available on his website.
Anyone wishing to sponsor Mr McGinley and help him reach his target, or to find out about his fundraising activities can visit www.climbforacure.co.uk
