Khumbu Challenge 10

September/October 2010

November 15th 2010

Alan visited Hasler Company that has a very special connection with the Baton. Whilst there Alan officially presented the Company their own Baton with Oak Stand, the Baton is one of the two that the men from Hasler carried throughout the KC10 Challenge.

The feed back from the guys carrying the Baton throughout KC10 was interesting, from being just an object to something that became symbolic and inspiring. When presenting the Baton Alan tried to explain to the Company that to have the men of Hasler Company, themselves so inspirational, holding the Baton was for him very much of what the Baton’s cause is about and hopefully they will see their Baton as a reminder that many of us in civilian life are trying to understand their individual situations and that they are often in our thoughts, not just today while media interest is foremost, but also when the dust has settled in the coming years.

The Baton was officially received from Alan on behalf of the Company by Major Steve Melbourne, who confirmed that it wouldn’t sit and gather dust but “to do the Baton proud by carrying its message with us at every opportunity and keep you informed of its travels” we’ll look forward to hearing from them.

At the end of the presentation Alan was very moved by the gift of a framed photo of the KC10 team at Everest Base Camp and a KC10 commemorative bottle of Scotch.

Mne James Magson, Alan Rowe MBE & W02 Rob McIntrye presenting the photo.

The 2 teams with the Baton.  This photo was presented to Alan Rowe, MBE and received with heartfelt thanks.

Introduction

Without doubt, this is a very special event for the Baton to be carried by and the instigation of a special Baton Flag for the occasion, a flag with “the message” on one side, please take the time to look at the KC10 website.

At a recent invite to Hasler Company Alan was truly humbled by the spirit throughout the whole unit and said “to see and talk to men adapting to their individual situations in the way they are is more inspiring than words could ever explain and I often draw on it during tough moments”.

Exercise Khumbu Challenge will be an ambitious undertaking involving two teams of differing experience and mobility drawn from all ranks of the RN & RM totalling 30 personnel during the Post Monsoon season (Sep/Oct 2010). Places will be offered on the treks to individuals injured in service, including recent conflicts giving them an opportunity to enhance their current rehabilitation programmes and putting them back in a military environment during the training phase for the banter and camaraderie that we all rely on to help promote their overall health and well being. More importantly making the individual aware that he/she is still part of the family.

Outline

Team 1 consisting of 12 climbers, will trek in the Khumbu region to Everest Base Camp and undertake an ascent of Island Peak.

Team 2 consisting of 18 trekkers including 8 less- able service personnel injured or traumatised whilst on duty including in recent conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan. They will undertake the famous and testing trek to Everest base Camp and include an ascent of Kala Pattar, known for its amazing views of Mt Everest.

Please take the time to look at the KC10 website, and monitor the progress of this amazing effort.

VICE ADMIRAL RICHARD IBBOTSON CB DSC Deputy Commander in Chief Fleet

“Following the enormous success of the last Khumbu Challenge, I’m delighted that we are going back again, and privileged to be involved in the organisation. The benefits that accrued from our first expedition far exceeded expectations. For instance, the opportunity for injured ranks to trek with members of their patrol and talk things through in a unique and demanding environment turned out to be hugely valuable, with long term positive impact. I defy anybody who watched the subsequent television programme not to have been deeply moved by this reality. 

This year we have some 12 ranks from the recovery pathway involved, and we anticipate that recently returned members of 40 Cdo will also be taking part. Currently, 7 will be from Hasler Company and it is particularly important that events like Khumbu Challenge work within that framework. The Himalayas provides the very special opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience to reflect amongst colleagues (some of whom the exped members served with in Afghanistan) whilst trekking in a remarkable environment. It is great news that we are using our experience to benefit from this again, and I offer my very best wishes to everyone that is involved in this thoroughly worthwhile challenge.”

Articles

Please go here for a short film showing the Royal Marines KC main Team trekking to Namche en route to their target peak – Ama Dablam.

Please go here for another inspiring film of the Khumbu Challenge 09

A great article here from the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund

Update

Members of the Khumbu Challenge Team receive the Baton from Alan Rowe MBE, founder of the Baton.   After an evening of a Boxing Entertainment Alan carried out the Official handover to Expedition Leader CSgt Paul Weir, Capt Tom O’Boy and Mne Martin Shaw.

Whilst Alan was there with the C Group party, he handed two Batons and flags over to the KC10 teams at the Royal Marines Boxing Championships held at CTCRM Lympstone.

BLOG

For more information on the team progress, please go here for their Blog.

Team 2 at Everest Base Camp!

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