Novice trekkers starts journey to Mt Everest base camp as fundraiser for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter

Castle Hill resident Sarju Shah, 44, said the team of brave trekkers will start their 17-day journey to base camp on Sunday.

Left to right: Ujval Tanna, Menish Gordhan, Sarju Shah & Deepak Parbhoo.

NOVICE trekkers are set to take on the beast that is Mt Everest as they raise vital funds to help keep the doors of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter open.

The Hornsby-based women’s shelter has supported more than 250 women since it opened in 2015, but has been forced to turn away 750.

Group leader and Castle Hill resident Sarju Shah, 44, said the team of brave trekkers will start their 17-day journey to base camp on Sunday. “We will be some of the first climbers to hit the mountain after a pretty incredible monsoon season,” Mr Shah said.

“We all have very different reasons for taking on the mountain, but we knew that there are women and children in our community that are in desperate need of our support, so we chose to fund-raise for the women’s shelter.”

Left to right: Kaishal Lakha (supporter), Deepak Parbhoo, Nimesh Shah (supporter), Ujval Tanna, Sarju Shah, Menish Gordhan and Jayesh Mistry.

The eight fathers, who are all over the age of 40, decided to take on the challenge last year, beginning the rigorous training that “showed just how unfit” they were in December.

“About seven years ago a good friend of mine passed away suddenly,” Mr Shah said.

“I started to change the way I live me life to make sure I live life as if each day is a gift.

“I always dreamt of climbing to base camp at Everest, and there is no time like the present.”

The novice trekkers said they would not be able to take on the journey, and meet their goal of raising $15,000 for the shelter, without the support of their families.

Group of three trekkers passing signpost "Way to Mount Everest Base Camp" - Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) National Park. This is the highest national park in the world, with the entire park located above 3,000 m ( 9,700 ft). Picture: iStock Hiking Nepal FAQ, Louise Southerden, Escape

“My wife was lucky enough to help fundraise for (shelter president) Sallianne (McClellan) and the rest of the team a few months ago, she was inspired and in tears when she told me about what this organisation does to help women in desperate need of support,” Mr Shah said. “Our wives have been manning the fort at home while we train, so this is a real family affair.”

To donate to the trek, visit chuffed.org/fundraiser/hkws-bbf-6918

Everest Base Camp Picture: Supplied/ World Expeditions