Why I’m walking Everest Base Camp for the ROS: Corinne’s Story

50-year-old Corinne is embarking on the Everest base camp trek on 11 March 2023, in an effort to fundraise for the ROS. We caught up with Corinne to find out more about the inspiration behind this incredible challenge, and how she's been preparing.

What inspired you to embark on this challenge?

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2009 when I was 37 years old. I’d fallen over and unknowingly fractured my pelvis. I was experiencing quite a lot of back pain after the fall, but I was just prescribed painkillers when going to my doctor. It wasn’t until my Pilates teacher urged me to go for a scan that I found out I had osteoporosis and a fractured pelvis.

Receiving my diagnosis and seeing the x-ray was shattering. It took me a long time to come to terms with the condition. I used to feel very ashamed of having osteoporosis but by doing this challenge, I feel like I can own the condition and my experience of it.

I hope to share my enthusiasm and inspire other people by showing what is possible.  

Why did you choose to raise money for the ROS?

I came across the ROS when I was first diagnosed with osteoporosis. I found their specialist nurse Helpline so helpful and reassuring. When they launched the Osteoporosis and Bone Research Academy, I decided to join as a patient advocate and use my experience to help others. I know that funding supports the charity and the work it does for people with osteoporosis and this motivated me to start fundraising.

I really want to give back because it’s never too late for people to start thinking about their bone health. I know the money I raise can go towards the pioneering research the ROS is doing as well as helping to support their free Helpline offering osteoporosis and bone health related support and expert advice.

Why did you choose the Everest Base Camp Trek?

I went to Nepal in 1999 and it was extraordinary. The people are generous, kind and the community experience left me with lasting memories that I’ll always cherish. I am very target driven as an individual and, although I know this will be a tough physical and mental challenge, I am motivated by the clear goal of making it all the way up to the highest point and back down again.

What are you most excited about? Is there anything that scares you?

I’m incredibly excited to make extraordinary memories. It’s been a huge focus and commitment this year - from getting my kit organised, to planning my training and preparation. There’s an incredible amount of work and investment that goes into this challenge which makes it feel more exciting. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime trip!

I’m most concerned about the cold. The average daytime temperature will be about 15 degrees, but it drops down to -7 degrees at night. I do worry about not being able to complete the challenge due to hurting myself or getting acute mountain sickness (AMS), which is an illness that can affect mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, or travellers at high altitudes, usually above 8000 feet (2400 meters). Causes of acute mountain sickness is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. I will be taking my training very seriously to avoid this happening.

My family have been incredibly supportive which has helped. They’re naturally concerned for me but overall, they’re so excited.  

What does your training and preparation look like?

Exercise:

I’m already underway with my training plan now. This includes cardio alongside resistance training, using various weights and kettlebells and doing squats to get my muscles really strong. It’s tough now but I know I’m going to be grateful when I’m climbing up the mountain.

I’ve been doing lots of hill walks on uneven ground to prepare myself for the terrain and I do plenty a lot of stretching, and after exercise to ensure I remain flexible and don’t seize up.

Six months before my trek I started really ramping up my walking, and will build up to eight-hour walks in preparation for the distance I’ll be covering on the trek every day. I will be testing out my kit on these walks and learning to trust what I’ll be taking with me.

Fueling my body: 

I’ve found that I’ve been wanting to eat more oily fish, such as salmon, since I started with the resistance work in the gym – which is of course, full of vitamin D.

The food on the trek will be based mostly on dahl, a spicy stew made from lentils and legumes and rice, known as ‘dahl baht’. This can be cheap to make, and it can be cooked in bulk to save on energy. It’s delicious and is also something warming and easy to digest at altitude.

I’m also going to be taking a few energy bars for physical and emotional boosts along the way.

What’s been your favourite part about this challenge?

I’ve found the walking side of the training particularly enjoyable as it’s amazing to be able to see stunning parts of the UK and enjoy the fresh air. I also find being in nature great for mindfulness, which is also really important for the trek as it’s a huge mental challenge.

You really have to listen to your body and take it slowly to avoid AMS, so mental as well as physical training is really important. I meditate every day and will continue doing this in the lead up to the challenge as well as during it. It’s about being well rested and not going too fast, which will be a real challenge for me as I have an unashamedly competitive streak and I’ll want to be the first!

A huge thank you from all of us at the ROS, Corinne, and good luck! 

If you’re inspired by Corinne’s story and fancy a new opportunity or challenge this year while supporting our work, check out our challenge events. 

We’ll be following up with Corinne later following the challenge to find out how she got on, so stay tuned for more!