Veteran Bagpiper Tackles Biggest Challenge Yet – Mount Everest

Veteran Bagpiper Tackles Biggest Challenge Yet – Mount Everest

Off By Ed Hanna

A globe-trotting fundraiser has completed her biggest challenge yet by tackling the infamous Mount Everest.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) fundraiser, Irene Robinson, began her ascent to Mount Everest base camp on the 1st February.

Whilst trekking, Ms Robinson faced temperatures of -14 degrees, contending with the high altitude on Everest.

Dorset based Irene was completing the challenge to raise money for the RNRMC – the national Charity of the Royal Navy.

No stranger to a challenge, in 2016 Irene travelled over 50,000 miles; visiting the 7 continents while playing her bagpipes and raising an incredible £10,000 for the RNRMC in the process.

The trek to Everest base camp took Irene and her team eight days to climb the 5,364 metres ascent. She returned to Lukla on the 8th  taking a flight onward to Kathmandu.

Speaking about the challenge and her decision to scale Mount Everest, Ms Robinson said:

“I decided to choose Mount Everest because in my mind I have already been around the world so there was only one way to go which was up! Mount Everest is literally located at the top of the world so was aiming to go as high as I could.”

“It took every ounce of physical and mental strength that I had to push myself to reach base camp,” she said.

“It was bitterly cold, my drinking water had frozen and I couldn’t feel my fingers but I was ecstatic to be at the top of the world with my bagpipes, while flying the RNRMC flag.”

“I played my pipes at the Good Luck Hotel tea house in Lobuche, much enjoyed by the locals. But the pipes do not sound their best in extreme temperatures.

“I will never forget the magnitude, splendour and feeling of isolation at being in the Khumbu Glacier surrounded by the magnificent Himalayas.

“Trekking back, we saw the most beautiful sunset on Everest that will be forever in my mind’s eye.”

“It means the world to me to do this for the RNRMC. I have continually been inspired by the stories I hear and the people that I have met through the charity.”

Recently recognised at an RNRMC Supporters’ Reception, Irene has been an exceptional representative for the charity and has been wholly committed to helping support the naval family through adventurous fundraising.

Discussing what fundraising for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity means to her, Irene said:

“It means the world to me to do this for the RNRMC.  I have continually been inspired by the stories I hear and the people that I have met through the charity.

Continuing, she explained:

“I was particularly moved by meeting HRH Princess Anne recently and to hear her speak of what has been achieved in only ten years since the RNRMC was formed. My incentive for this challenge is to raise an RNRMC flag at Everest Base Camp.”

The RNRMC have been the national charity of the Royal Navy for over ten years. In that time, enthusiastic fundraisers like Irene Robinson have helped to contribute to the £51 million that the charity has distributed to sailors, marines, veterans and their families.

To find out more or to donate visit: http://bagpipetheworld.com/keep-up-with-our-tour