A SEA cadet volunteer has gone to dizzy heights to support a cause close to her heart.
Sarah Jayne Brazier underwent a gruelling 145 mile trek to reach Everest base camp, battling rain and storms along the way.
The mum-of-two has spent months training for the walk which she undertook over 13 days to raise money for Stratford Sea Cadets, TS Gurkhas.
But while the cold and lack of oxygen was something she was prepared for, an intense storm which left the world’s highest mountain in a near-blackout was not.
There was an even greater unknown risk by taking on the climb – this spring saw 11 people reported dead or missing with reported overcrowding on Everest to blame.
She said: “The trip was physically challenging, requiring months of training to prepare for the high altitude hiking.
“While on the trek a large storm hit the Himalayas and affected all of the climbers around Everest. We felt completely isolated. The solar power to the teahouse we were staying in was nearly depleted and not knowing what was going to happen next was really scary.
“Finally getting to base camp was the best bit – after a gruelling seven hour trek in the cold, with very little oxygen in the air, we made the final push uphill for the camp.
“The sun was shining and the whole team made it. I was completely overcome with emotion.”
Sarah has raised more than £1,000 for the cadets, where she has volunteered for more than six years – even meeting her husband at the club.
She says the morals behind the cadets, of helping them ‘grow into balanced and respectable young adults’ and providing opportunities they would otherwise not have had, made her want to support the club.
And she is looking forward to telling the children about her experience.
She added: “Despite the hard work it was really rewarding. I hope the cadets will learn from my experience.
“Without the rest of my team I would not have made it. You can achieve your dreams with hard work and dedication but you have to think positive and always accept help and advice to make those dreams a reality.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarahjayne-brazier to donate.
