Nicolas Clark-Majerus
Nic does 'Staircase Everest'
Fundraising for Gurkha Welfare Trust
Story
Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years, since the Nepali soldiers proved their courage when fighting against the British during the Anglo-Nepalese war (1816).
The British army began to recruit Gurkha soldiers because they wanted them to fight on their side. Since that day, the Ghurkas have fought alongside British troops in every battle across the world.
100,000 Gurkhas fought in the First World War, 250,000 in the Second World War.
The King of Nepal gave the British government large sums of money for weapons and equipment, as well as money to buy fighter aircraft during the Battle of Britain This was a great sacrifice from a small country which was not as well off as Britain.
In the past 50 years, Gurkhas have served in the British army in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Borneo, Cyprus, the Falklands, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. They regularly assist with the training of officers at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
A former Gurkha officer, Sir John Chapple, encouraged me to join the British Army. Lieutenant Ed Drummond-Baxter, served with my regiment before becoming a Gurkha officer, Ed was killed in Afghanistan in 2012.
These, as well as the honourable objectives of The Gurkha Welfare Trust, supporting Gurkha veterans, their families and wider communities, seem to be as good reasons as any for taking on the challenge of climbing the height of Everest.
Our challenge is to climb the 144 steps, multiple times every day, until we achieve the 8,848 metres. In total 341 ascents will be required.
