Not many people would climb the height of Everest in response to a story that touched their heart. But twelve-year-old Emma Welch, from Chilcompton, has done just that. Inspired by Radstock Baptist Church Minister, Andrew Stammers, who has a malignant brain tumour and completed his own 100-mile walk earlier this year, raising £5,000 for Brain Tumour Research, Emma scaled the heights of the Writhlington Sports Centre climbing wall over a thousand times to raise money for the same charity and, in doing so, is waiting to hear if she has achieved the World Record for climbing the height of Everest on an indoor climbing wall.
Emma placed the Union Flag on top of the wall as she made her final ascent last Sunday, watched by mountaineer, Paul Keleher, who has first-hand experience of climbing the great mountain. Paul was the first person to put the London 2012 Olympic flag on top of Everest and brought his summit climbing equipment for Emma to try on during her last climb, to make the experience all the more authentic!
The amazing climb began on 18th September, with Emma climbing the wall twice a week, aiming for fifty ascents at a time. Whilst you would think that long days at school and homework to balance would be enough for her, Emma has managed this challenge, despite the fact that she has scoliosis (curvature of the spine), which can make her feel quite sore.
Not only was Emma in the company of a great climbing expert, but her story has gained much momentum with the local media, featuring on both BBC and ITV News last weekend. MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg arrived to present Emma with flowers following her achievement and Emma carried out television and radio interviews after her climb. To date, the Norton Hill School pupil, who is also a member of 1st Radstock Girl Guides and Purnell Bowling Club, has raised over £1,000 for Brain Tumour Research.
Speaking after the challenge, Emma said: "Climbing Everest has been much harder than I thought. I didn't realise when I first decided to conquer the mountain (all 8,848 metres of it) that it would involve 1,209 ascents of the climbing wall, almost fifty hours of, not just my time, but my family's too, not to mention some aches and pains along the way!
"The thing that has kept me going has been the incredible support I have received from friends, fellow church members, Brain Tumour Research, Writhlington Sports Centre staff and of course my Mum and Dad, quite apart from the reason for doing it – to raise desperately needed funds for Brain Tumour Research."
Emma's dad, Tony, continues: "As many people know, our Baptist Church Minister in Radstock, Andrew Stammers, was diagnosed in 2011 with an aggressive brain tumour and, although it was operated on at the time, he has been told that it is very likely to grow back at any time. He is an incredible man and father to his three young daughters – he is an inspiration to us all.
"Brain tumours kill more under-40s than any other cancer and five year survival rates for brain cancer remain at less than 19%, while the average for most other cancers is 50%. Despite these stark facts, brain tumours receive less than 1% of national cancer research spending. The grim reality is what influenced Emma to take on her significant challenge. I am so proud of what she has achieved and hope that everyone digs deep and helps her raise lots of money for Brain Tumour Research in order to find more effective treatments for brain cancer and ultimately, a cure."
Brain Tumour Research was launched in April 2009 to raise the awareness of and funding for scientific research into brain tumours and to help improve outcomes for patients. Currently, the charity are aiming to raise £1 million to fund a new Centre of Hope dedicated to sustainable research.
If you have been inspired by Emma's Everest challenge and would like to donate to her cause, visit: http://www.justgiving.com/welchemmad">www.justgiving.com/welchemmad