An Andover woman with a passion for adventure took on the might of nature and reached Base Camp on Everest, despite it being very much against the odds.
Businesswoman Jenny Arthur had been training for her trek at altitude since January, using the Andover Leisure Centre gym. But even before she could leave the UK, she knew her challenge was going to be extra tough when a cyclone hit and dumped a huge amount of snow on the mountain.
Despite hearing that people had died on the Chinese side of Base Camp and that over a hundred people were stranded, the trip went ahead and Jenny made it to her target some 5,364m (17,598 ft) up.
Jenny said: “The whole group struggled with the symptoms of altitude: headaches, nausea, lack of sleep, hacking cough and no appetite.”
“It was extremely debilitating, but you have to remain positive and keep going, even though you know your body is failing on a daily basis.”
Jenny took preparation for the trip very seriously and worked with leisure centre staff to build her strength and stamina. Her fitness programme included a combination of cardiovascular exercises, and core and weight training to prepare her body for the endurance challenge.
Robyn Brown, Jenny’s trainer at Andover Leisure Centre, said: “Jenny worked very hard in every session. We’re very proud of her for reaching her goal, and didn’t doubt for a minute that she could do it!”
Jenny added: “The cardio training in particular was a great help. Just to be physically fitness helps you tackle the length of the trip, and the effects of the altitude.”
Jenny has more than reached her fundraising goal of £3,750 for Help For Heroes, and is still taking donations at http://www.bmycharity.com/JennyArthurBCEverest
She’s now planning to soon be back in the gym soon to train for her next challenge, a trek in Borneo or Brazil.
