Matthew Dieumegard-Thornton from Sleaford aims to become one of the youngest British climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, in order to help raise awareness of global environmental and sustainability issues and to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The young Lincolnshire mountaineer is tackling the world’s highest peak to raise funds for international charity “Global Angels” to provide water to disadvantaged children and their communities for the next 20 years. He is also putting the focus on the continuing fight against “environmental irresponsibility”, as an Ambassador of Climate Unchange, a global web-shop that enables individuals and businesses to offset their carbon footprints.
The goal is to raise at least £8,848 “the equivalent to the height of Everest” – for the Global Angels’ Water for Life project whereby every £10 raised will provide at least 884 people with access to clean water for 20 years.
In mid-April he will begin his attempt on the 8,848 meter summit that should take about 70 days and will follow the south eastern route taken by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953 when he became the first man to reach the top of Mount Everest.
The expedition is being sponsored by global digital services provider Yell. Yell’s support for Matthew is a philanthropic gesture, reflecting its admiration for his entrepreneurial spirit, his inspirational drive and strength and support for his goals. His endeavour embodies Yell’s own values. Yell has a long, established programme of Corporate Responsibility activities, is very mindful of its impact on the environment and its global responsibilities as a corporate citizens.
Matthew is a graduate in Sport and Exercise Science, specializing in environmental physiology, and has previously trained as a squash professional. In mountain training, he has climbed Peak Lenin (7,134m) in the Pamirs range of Kyrgyzstan, and Mera Peak(6,476m) and Baruntse (7,219m) in Nepal.
EnvironmentGreen has been fortunate enough to talk to Matthew before he made his way to base camp to begin his 70 day expedition to the summit of Mount Everest. Find out why Matthew chose to climb Mount Everest, how he has been preparing him self for the journey, his views on the environment and much more.
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Click the play button above (the one with the little triangle) to start the Environmental Pod Cast with Matthew Dieumegard-Thornton. (If you have any issues with the player then please let us know.
To show your support for Matthew’s Cause please help support Global Angels vision to give clean drinking water to every child by donating – go to JustGiving.com/MatthewDThornton or text the code MDTE90 with your donation amount to 70070
Matthew’s contact info to follow the progress of his journey and to let him know that you support him is Twitter: @MattDThornton / Facebook: FaceBook.com/MattDThornton & Personal Webpage: Matthewdthornton.com
[image source: MatthewdThornton.com]
