‘Keenan was with me every step of the trek”
Ian McCrory takes on the 14-day trek to the Mount Everest Basecamp.
Last September, Ian McCrory undertook a 14-day trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp – raising more than £3,300 for SUDEP Action.
Ian, from King’s Lynn in Norfolk, self-funded the trip because he wanted to do something special to raise money for SUDEP Action in memory of his cousin’s son Keenan, who tragically died of SUDEP in September 2023, aged just 21.
“Keenan was a vibrant, loving, and energetic young man who lived life to the full,” said Ian. “He is deeply missed by all of us, his family and friends, but his memory continues to inspire us. Through ongoing fundraising efforts, we honour his legacy by supporting SUDEP Action, a charity dedicated to preventing epilepsy-related deaths. This cause is incredibly close to my heart and every penny raised will go directly to the charity.”
Ian’s preparations took in hikes around the Peak District before he set off for Kathmandu. The challenges that lay in front of him included more than just Nepalese mountains, however, but also delayed flights, protests, riots and curfews. He explained: “Our third day there was the start of a curfew after twenty-one GenZ students were killed in a protest the previous day. I met some good friends from Perth in Australia, and we watched the troubles from the top floor of our hotel.”
The political unrest meant delayed flights to Lukla for the start of the trek, with bad weather further hampering and frustrating efforts. Having lost a day of their itinerary already, Ian’s team chartered a helicopter, but their late arrival still ensured long walks into the night under torchlight were necessary.
Day seven was particularly tough and, after a restless night battling insects, the group set out towards Namche Bazaar, the fabled gateway to Everest. A demanding and unrelenting climb of stair after stair took them to 3,430 metres. They crossed the famous Hillary Bridge, a swaying suspension bridge hanging 135 metres above the Dudh Kosi river. Ian said: “For most of us it was a thrilling highlight, but one member of our group had to turn back, unable to overcome his fear of heights. It was a sobering reminder of how much we would be tested mentally as well as physically.”
The climb to Dingboche was steep, long, and exhausting. “Every step felt heavier with the altitude creeping in, but reaching the village felt like a triumph. We knew this would be home for the next two days as we acclimatised” said Ian.
The weather remained unkind once they restarted their journey and the stretch from Dingboche to Lebouche provided another reality check of the power of the mountains as they paused at a sacred site marked with memorials to lost climbers, who had died on Everest and other Himalayan peaks.
And so, to the final push… the paths were arduous, over rocks and boulders, sometimes steep, sometimes slippery with snow. They followed the edge of the Khumbu Glacier, with big peaks rising all around them.
Ian said it felt amazing to reach the prayer flags that marked Everest Base Camp and stand at the foot of Everest.
Reflecting on his achievement, Ian said it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of his life. “The porters were absolute superhumans, carrying heavy duffel bags from stop to stop without ever seeming to tire. Our guides—Pramod, Harri, and AJ—were with us every step of the way, motivating us, keeping us safe, and ensuring that we all made it to Everest Base Camp successfully. Their guidance, encouragement, and patience were invaluable throughout.”
His fellow trekkers also made the journey special, with the group keeping each other laughing and lifting each other’s spirits when altitude, fatigue and self-doubts set in.
Ian said: “We had the famous Everest Base Camp rock all to ourselves, and we couldn’t help but celebrate—cheering, laughing, and snapping countless photos and videos to capture this incredible moment. It was a memory we had all worked so hard to achieve. Standing there, I thought of Keenan. This was his favourite place, and I had done this challenge in his memory. Every step of the trek, I felt him with me, guiding me through the tough moments. We did it, Keenan—and I couldn’t have done it without you.”
