Everest Fundraising Ball

My Peak Potential are currently involved in leading a team of students and staff on the journey of a lifetime to Everest Base camp.

Last weekend, the team hosted a fantastic fundraising ball at Leeds Elland Road stadium which was hailed a huge success rasing £15,000. The evening went without a hitch, save for the confusion of the compere's heads or tails game which saw a few bemused party goers standing around with their hands planted on their heads or holding their backsides wondering if they were still in the game.

Around 350 guests, including Leeds United goalkeeper Casper Ankergren, British mountaineer Alan Hinkes, GB Kayak canoe champion Claire O'Hara and Leeds Carnegie's Steve Nance and Andy Key turned up to support the expedition. They were greeted by a champagne reception before sitting down to a delicious four course meal.

Expedition leader Dave Bunting introduced the evening followed by a short film about the community project they are supporting, Self Help Group for Cerebral Palsy (SGCP ). Dave said "As well as improving levels of fitness for their trek to Everest Base Camp in October 2009, the team has to meet an immense challenge on the fundraising front to make this Expedition a success and to support the SGCP. The success of Saturday night brings us another step closer to achieving the team's objectives and we are looking forward to the next events to maintain this momentum."

Following the meal, the compere for the evening, Frank Hanson, came into his own and was auctioneer supreme, getting people to reach deep into their pockets for some great prizes such as a holiday for 6 in a Norwegian Log Cabin, a weekend sailing trip and a day with the GB bobsleigh team culminating in a run down the St Moritz course! However, the prize everyone had their eyes on though was a place on the team to Basecamp. This was snapped up quickly and for a handsome figure. The team is now one person stronger.

The Everest West Ridge Presentation

It is that time of the year when assignments and exams are taking place, and we are submerging ourselves in the mayhem of submitting coursework and meeting deadlines.

Last week I attended the Dave Bunting Presentation. I regularly check the “campus announcements”, and this really caught my eye as the presentation was billed as high impact and visual.

I remember following on Sky News the attempt to reach the Everest summit via the almost inaccessible and rarely climbed West Ridge in 2006.

The presentation followed the expedition from conception to completion and the many emotional ups and down experienced by the members of the expedition party; the preparation period was three years!

The talk was awe inspiring, at times humbling. There were many themes I could relate to in my everyday life; emphasising the importance of team work, physical endurance, stamina and striving for a common goal. It was about leadership and making hugely difficult decisions.

It was about the process, rather than the end point, as the team never actually managed to complete the expedition and reach the summit.

It reminded me how fine the line is between success and failure.

It reminded me how big the world is!

Andrew Jennings

Dave Bunting is available for motivational presentations through www.speakersfromtheedge.com
and www.speakersacademy.nl

Please click on the names to go directly to their websites.