Completing a marathon will be on the bucket list for many people but very few will aim to finish the Everest Marathon twice in their lifetime.
This is the case for one physiotherapist at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital who is taking on the race – dubbed as the world’s highest marathon – for the second time.
Rob Fox, inpatient specialist physiotherapist, first took part in the marathon back in 2012 and will be competing for the second time in May to raise money for the Veteran’s Orthopaedic Service and Mind UK.
He said: “My wife Keeley and I will both be walking to Everest Base Camp which will see me start the Everest Marathon by running 26.2 miles back to Namache Bazaar – a town in Nepal known as the gateway to Mount Everest.
“We’ll be trekking for 10 days along the classic Everest Base Camp route, which includes flying into the famous Himalayan airport, Lukla.”
Rob and Keeley will be flying out to the Himalayas on May 14, before starting the marathon.
The Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service at the Gobowen-based hospital – the first of its kind in the UK – is an exclusive service for veterans who require treatment for arthritic lower limb problems.
Mind provide advice and support to anyone who is experiencing a mental health problem and campaign to improve mental health services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Rob added: “The Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service and Mind are two fantastic causes, both very close to our hearts.
“Having worked and supported the veterans’ service over the last few years here at RJAH, I’ve seen the fantastic service first hand. Hopefully any monies raised will contribute to its development.
“Also, a number of friends have suffered from mental health problems over the years and hopefully by taking on this challenge we can highlight and support the work of Mind – who are a fantastic charity.”
If you would like to support Rob’s fundraising, you can head to:
· Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service at RJAH - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robertkeeleyfox
· Mind - https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RobertKeeleyFox.
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