Everest rescue student plans to repeat climb (From Bury Times)

Everest rescue student plans to repeat climb

7:10am Sunday 3rd January 2010

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A STUDENT who was stranded on Mount Everest for five days after being injured has vowed to attempt the charity climb again.

Andrew Cheetham was just one day away from the top of the mountain when he fell and had to be rescued by a helicopter.

The 20-year-old, from Ramsbottom, trekked 5,200 metres up the Himalayas before he dislocated his ankle and broke two ribs, forcing him to call a halt to the journey.

The other 18 climbers carried on without him and reached base camp as planned on July 8.

Now the budding film-maker has vowed to tackle the challenge again and raise even more cash for disadvantaged children.

Andrew said: “When it first happened I didn’t think it was that bad, I was in a bit of shock.

“It is just an old man’s injury now that aches in cold weather. I am not that shaken by what happened and I want to go back and try again.”

An emergency helicopter was called to lift Andrew to safety following the fall on July 7, but extreme weather conditions meant the rescue effort had to be postponed for five days.

Andrew said: “When the helicopter was first called to come from Kathmandu, we thought it would only take 30 minutes.”

The student has made a documentary film about the adventure, which captures the trials and tribulations of the journey.

Despite not completing the challenge, he managed to raise £2,250 for the charity Childreach.

Andrew hopes to raise even more funds when he attempts the climb again in summer 2011 after graduating from the University of Leeds next year.

Anyone interested in donating to Andrew’s cause can email him at hy07a3c@leeds.

ac.uk

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