Connie and Laura’s Everest Base Camp Challenge

Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025

Hi Everyone,

It’s Connie Rees & Laura Sidney here! Let us introduce ourselves.

CONNIE: 👮🏻‍♀️
I am currently a serving Police Officer of South Wales Police & a Royal Navy Reservist at HMS Cambria, Cardiff. I am 33 and I am a Bridgend girl! When I’m not working I love to spend time travelling 🧳, walking or spending time on the family farm. I can’t wait to see some Yaks 🐮 on the way up to Basecamp and taste a local Yak Burger 🍔 whilst also enjoying the Nepalese culture.

LAURA: 🎤
I recently turned 30, I live with my amazing grandparents in Usk! I have recently started a new job as an Operational Support Grade officer at HMP Prescoed & HMP Usk. I am also a Royal Navy Reservist based at HMS Cambria. My true passion is singing 🎶. I previously sang with the National Opera and I have also appeared on ‘The Voice’. Maybe I will sing a tune when I reach the top.

We both became close friends during our initial training with the Royal Navy Reserves⛴️. As we both got each other through that challenge, we are hoping now to support each other through this next one!

In March 2025, we are taking on the challenge of hiking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

The trip will take place on the 08/03/2025 - 22/03/2025.

Mount Everest is one of the most revered and legendary, natural wonders of the world. Not only will we be ticking this trip off our bucket list, by seeing this mountain up close at Basecamp. We will be raising money for charity!!

The hike which is a two week trip, will lead us over suspension bridges, a glacier and into the heart of the warm rugged Sherpa culture. We will reach Basecamp at 5,364m (over 3.5 miles!) to the base of the world's tallest mountain. During the trip we will be hiking 3-8 hours a day over various terrains, whilst also acclimatising to the reduced oxygen levels.

Whilst taking on this challenge we would like to raise money for the following charities, the British Heart Foundation, Velindre Cancer Centre & Woody’s Lodge.

We are personally paying for the trip ourselves, out of our own pockets. So 100% of the money raised will be going directly to the charities!

So all contributions to our chosen charities will be greatly appreciated ♥️

You’re more than welcome to follow our training updates and trip highlights via our social media platforms!

Supporting

Velindre Cancer Centre

Health | 1052501

33%

Velindre is recognised as The Hospital Of Hope, and this is made possible because of the fantastic and committed support of our donors and fundraisers.

Woody's Lodge

Community | 1173752

33%

Our vision here at Woody’s Lodge, is to provide an inviting meeting space for veterans of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and Reservists to re-engage with life, their families and their communities.

British Heart Foundation

Health | 225971

34%

Our vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases. We raise money to research cures and treatments, so we can give people more time with the ones they love.