One ordinary working man's quest to achieve the ambition of a lifetime and in a small way repay the dedication, kindess and professionalism of the people who helped him survive his life threatening illness.

"To dream, then prepare; to journey then conquer. This is my quest" - MC Reinhardt (A truly beautiful and genuine person)

 AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRIS WILLIAMS

Chris was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukeamia in 1993. After two years of intensive treatment and a bone marrow transplant, he was one of the lucky ones to overcome this life threatening disease. Lady Luck may have played a small part but it was really down to the research and development by  Leukaemia Busters, the hospital staff in Southampton and his own determination to survive.

Chris lives life, as most other people do, working hard with little time for relaxation. In 2004 he joined a linen rental and laundry supplier in Reading, Berkshire as their Group Sales & Service Manager heading a team of sales and customer service professionals. That is when he met Colin Dawe, his boss and friend. Early in 2007 they hatched plans to trek from Lukla in Nepal to Everest Base Camp (18,000 ft above sea level).

Their plans came to fruition and Chris decided to make the most of this adventure by raising funds for the organization that had given him such a great chance, Leukaemia Busters.

In September 2007 he set off with Colin and Tracey (Colin's partner) from Heathrow on an adventure of a lifetime. After an exhilarating, but difficult trek he reached base camp in the afternoon of October 8th 2007.  More details of that trek, their support team in Nepal, the endurance and acclimatisation training beforehand, can be found on other pages of this website.

This is not the end of the story. Chris' ultimate goal is to  make a summit attempt on the highest place on earth,  Mount Everest . Before this goal can be realised Chris has to prepare himself further. Owing to cellulitis in his foot sustained whilst in Switzerland prior to his summit bid on Mt Blanc in June 2008, his plans have now had to be rescheduled. Between now and 2013 he will be attempting to summit the highest trekking peak in Himalaya - Mera Peak (6,654 mtrs) followed by a further attempt on Mt Blanc as well as a further expedition back to Himalaya to make a summit bid on Mount Cho Oyo. Once this has all been successfully completed he will make the final plans and attempt the Everest summit in 2013.

Training has begun again in earnest. He has already scaled Everest in height!!!! He recently completed a step up challenge by "stepping up" (and down) on a 11.5" step 30,299 times carrying a 20kgms back pack. For more details of this and further exciting events he has planned please visit his news page.

What makes this challenge all the more remarkable is that Chris has no climbing or mountaineering experience whatsoever (except for climbing his stairs at home!). However, Chris' sporting history in the 80's and 90's of playing rugby for top class sides such as Rugby Lions, Coventry and Leicester should stand him in good stead for the long and sometimes arduous journey ahead.

Although this a lifetime ambition for Chris, his primary motivation is to raise awareness and desperately needed funds for Leukaemia Busters. Follow him as his journey unfolds to its final destination.

The successful Base Camp trip has already raised over £9,000 in donations and pledges. The trek, his aborted trip + future planned expedition to Mt Blanc and Mera Peak expedition have all been funded solely by his own financial resources, so all the money raised so far will go directly to the charity.

It is hoped you will follow Chris on his quest and donate whatever support you can.

Thank you for visiting and enjoy your tour of his site.