Being one of the three men that attended this talk, I can uncategorically say that those of you who did not go on Thursday evening missed an excellent talk and some incredible photos. Clare Shea-Simonds, an experienced athlete, has recently won a European silver medal for Triathlon. She and her husband, with some 80 other westerners and Nepalese, entered last year’s Everest Marathon, and Parwich WI reaped the benefit of having her mother on their committee.
Amazing though the challenge of a marathon starting near Everest Base Camp at 17,000 feet is, the challenge of walking to the start is as impressive. Described as the worlds most impressive race, it has been run 12 times since 1987. Clare talked of Nepal, the poverty (the average income is around £125 a year) and the people. She was particularly impressed by the Sherpa’s cheerfulness, generosity, endurance and courage. Nepal has particular problems with infant mortality and poor quality water. Clare experienced the latter at first hand, and as result she lost a stone in weight in a couple of weeks. She also suffered with altitude sickness (but as she says “What is the point of going to Nepal, if you don’t have the full experience“), meaning she had to start her marathon at a lower altitude only running some 16 miles.
“You cannot be a good mountaineer, however great ability, unless you are cheerful and have the spirit of comradeship. Friends are as important as achievement. Another is that teamwork is the one key to success and that selfishness only makes a man small” Tenzing Norgay
The Everest Marathonis a charity utilising this event to raise money of a number of Nepal causes:
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Britain-Nepal Medical Trust: medical work in East Nepal, including community health and training with particular emphasis on women’s health, education and empowerment for minority groups.
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Nepal School Projects: school construction, vocational training, water systems, trail rehabilitation and community health in the Mahabharat hills.
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Water Aid (Nepal programme): clean water and sanitation in rural areas.
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Namche Bazaar Dental Clinic: the highest dental clinic in the world also runs school fluoridation and education programmes.
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Nepal Leprosy Trust: leprosy hospital and clinics in South Nepal, rehabilitation and community training.
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International Nepal Fellowship: medical work in West and Far West Nepal including health posts, health education and a major rehabilitation centre in Pokhara.
Well now is the time to get training for the next Everest Marathon in November 2009.
PARWICH.ORG 
The WI organise some excellent evenings, so keep an eye on their programme. Their talks are open to non-members and to men. Also the new projector and screen in the Hall really make slide shows and video shows impressive. The new equipment meant that as well as her slide show Clare was able to include a DVD with music and visuals.
Thanks to the Parwich WI and friends for a warm welcome (and the great cake!). A particular thanks to Peter for running his own marathon backwards and forwards from his home (I think he made the trip 4 times)to ensure I had all the ICT equipment necessary!