Jersey Couple Undertakes Challenging Himalayan Trek for Charity, Requires Airlift

A couple from Jersey required an airlift from a mountain pass due to altitude sickness while undertaking a demanding long-distance hike. This expedition is part of their effort to raise funds for mental health charities. Rik de Louche, aged 39, and Olivia Shanks, also 39, are currently attempting the Great Himalaya Trail, a route that, according to its organizers, fewer than 500 individuals have successfully completed. Their journey commenced in early October, with an anticipated completion within the upcoming two weeks. Established in 2009, the trail encompasses an ascent of 150,000m (492,126ft), a vertical gain comparable to nearly 17 ascents of Mount Everest. The pair is collecting donations for Mind Jersey and Jaya Mental Health, an organization that offers support services in Nepal. Their initial intention was to run the entire route; however, they revised their strategy upon determining that it “wasn’t feasible.” Mr. de Louche recounted: “On the first day, we went straight up into a high mountain pass and I got sick and I spent three or four days struggling to stay conscious on the trail but we got to a hospital and I felt good again.” Subsequent difficulties arose in a secluded region as weather conditions worsened. According to Mr. de Louche, both individuals experienced altitude sickness “quite badly” once more, resulting in them being able to “could barely move and were nauseous.” He stated: “We ended up getting trapped between four mountain passes and none of the porters could find us, so we had to get helicopter rescued and were checked out in Kathmandu.” A medical professional subsequently cleared them to continue the trek, and they were returned to their previous location. “We’ve had some really high highs and also very low lows… but it’s all to raise money for these mental health charities”, he commented. Readers can follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook, and submit story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its approach to external linking.