On Saturday 16 February, I spoke at the CANSA Gala Dinner. The black tie event was nothing short of spectacular and the company made it an evening to remember. My speech was very well received and I was met with a standing ovation.

Not only this, but we sent an ice bucket around to business cards from people interested in sponsoring squares on the banner. I am pleased to say that 30 people have volunteered and several of which have committed to more than one block.

A massive thanks goes to Sue, Munnik, Lionel and everyone who make the lives of those less fortnuate than us a little better.

I also went to Drifters on Sunday to pick up some more of my climbing gear. The boys there are always fun to chat to and I must say that Matt is running the place well. Thanks to you guys for putting up me and sorting everything out quickly.

This weekend John Black went to Australia to climb Kosciusko, the highest mountain in Oz. He summitted on Saturday after a grueling 90 minute walk in the heat of the day, John made his 4th of the Seven Summits. Although Carstensz Pyramid is the highest mountain in Australasia, it is really difficult to access due to political reasons, so a lot of climbers climb Kosciusko in Oz as the 7th summit. John will be climbing Carstenz (Indonesia) at a later stage, when access issues are resolved. So well done John!

Lastly, I would like to remind everyone who has not finalised their spaces on the banner to do so soon. I will be leaving in just over 5 weeks and I would like to try finalise as much as possible before I go.

It’s 39 sleeps to go and the butterflies are starting to really kick in now. My house looks like an Eskimo Factory shop with gear everywhere, but as the time grows closer, i am starting to realise that it is all worthwhile.

Please email questions you have regarding this trip as I want this to be as interesting as possible.

“Upward, and forever upward” - George Mallory

Robby

Climb high for those who can’t.

In the Daily News on Friday in conjunction with the CANSA Shavathon. A raging success country wide.

daily-news.pdf

The wonderful people at Dischem Pharmacies were generous enough to sponsor the expedition with R5000 to buy toiletries, supplements and first aid supplies for the trip. So on Sunday afternoon I set off to La Lucia Mall for a shopping spree of note.It was amazing how friendly all the staff were and how eager everyone was to help. After walking the aisles and being spoiled for choice, my trolley was stacked high with everything from Multi-vitamins to Med-Lemon, Vicks to Voltaren Gel.

Not only did Dischem give R5000 toward some of the much-needed items, but they also put together an awesome hamper of helpful things in addition to everything else. Once I had gathered all my goodies, the ladies behind the counter helped me add up all the items in my trolley and I am pleased to say they did everything with a smile.

Not many people realise exactly what goes on a gear list for an expedition of this size. Extensive forward planning is required to make sure all the boxes are ticked. 12 weeks without the luxury of hot running water makes Everest a whole new ball game.

So, a giant “thank you” goes to Trisch Rosema at Dischem Head Office as well as Grant, Jacques, Nico and all the friendly staff at La Lucia Dischem for a truly amazing experience. I assure you I’ll be back at Dischem when I return from Everest, only this time it will be to get cream for aching joints and after-sun cream.

Below is a list of all the items I purchased from Dischem:

GU Energy Gel Sachets – 30
Axe Deodorant – 2 cans
Gillette Mach 3 Razor
1 Tin Prep Shaving Cream
Shaving Mirror
Speed Stick – 2
200ml Aqueous Cream tubes - 2
Arnica Gel - 1
Fungal foot powder
2 in 1 Shampoo 200ml
Centrum Multivitamin 90 tabs
Tooth paste tube
Voltaren Gel 50g
BC 56 AntiBacterial Cream
Labello Lip Balm - 5 tubes
Nail Scissors
Zambuc 16g
Reel Dental floss
Lamisil
Fissan Paste – for chafing
Camphor cream
Vaseline
Earbuds
Med Lemon sachets
SPF 60 Sun screen stick
SPF 30 Tube - 2
Vit-T-Go Vitamin Sachets 50s
Baby Wipes 80s - 3
Transact Patches
Nasal Spray
Refresh Pipettes
Earplugs – wind noise
Adcodol Tablets
Roll Elastoplast
Shower gel – 2
Assorted Moleskin Blister Plasters
Cough Syrup
Imodium
Medi-Keel throat Lozenges
Shapes Band Aids
Normal Band Aids
Tubular Compress Bandage
Assorted Crepe Bandages
10 Sachets Rehydrate
Comb
Finger Bandages
Assorted Plastic Bottles - decanting shampoo and other toiletries
Nail Clipper
General Scissors
Micropore Tape roll
Contact Lens Case
Gaviscon
Flusin Effevescent Tablets