NI woman to start Everest ascent
A woman seeking to become the first from Northern Ireland to reach the summit of Mount Everest begins her ascent this weekend, it was announced today.
Lynne Stark, 42, and her partner Noel Hanna, 38, from Dromara , Co Down, have reached base camp and plan to begin the climb to the 8,848 metre summit on Sunday.
According to their schedule, it should take about 46 days to reach the summit, depending on the weather.
They arrived in Kathmandu in Nepal on April 5 and were delayed for a few days securing visas and permits because of a nationwide strike.
They are climbing the North Face of Everest with their own Sherpa guides. They hope to return to Northern Ireland on or around June 5.
They are seeking to raise a substantial amount of money for children’s charity Barnardo’s in Northern Ireland.
The charity works with nearly 8,000 children and young people in the North and the couple hope to raise £10 (€14.66) for every child as they make the climb.
Speaking on behalf of Barnardo’s , Jeanie Rodgers, head of fundraising said: “I have spoken to Lynne and Noel and they are well and excited about starting the climb.
“Our job while they’re away is to continue with the fundraising effort and there are lots of ways that people can get involved.
“They can also follow progress on this website which hopefully Lynne and Noel will be able to post to regularly - www.humanedgetech.com/expedition/nieverest01/.”
Only around 75 women have been among over 1,600 people who have scaled Everest since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay reached the summit in 1953.
British woman Rebecca Stephens made it in 1993 and Clare O’Leary from Co Cork got to the top last year.
Another Northern Ireland woman, Hannah Sheilds from Co Derry was forced to abandon her attempt last year.
