Stirling councillor running Everest marathon

A Stirling councillor is heading to Mount Everest Base Camp - to run a marathon for Strathcarron Hospice.

Rosemary Fraser, who represents Forth & Endrick, is running the Tenzing-Hillary Base Camp Marathon on 29th May.

She says she's been an "avid supporter" of Strathcarron for "many years".

Rosemary said:

"I have been an avid supporter of Strathcarron for many years, as I appreciate the reach that the charity has across the Stirling area and understand what a wonderful service it offers people who are at their most vulnerable, as well as the tremendous support it offers to their families and friends.  Back in the 90s a very close family friend spent her last few weeks in Strathcarron and the staff were outstanding.  At all times ensuring that our friend was comfortable and in what felt as homely a setting as possible while providing the intense medical care that was necessary.  Around 10 years ago another good friend was in for a period of time until his family could organise to have him back home for his last few weeks.  Again the care was sensitive and calm, providing a safe place for him to be until he could go home.  So many people have been touched by Strathcarron support over the years and it is such a valuable service that I wanted to see if I could raise a bit of money to go towards it’s running costs while on my trip to Nepal.

"In addition, having run Weigh Ahead, a community interest company, comprising of a sustainable refill shop and an artists and makers outlet in Dunblane for the last 6 years, I am also fundraising for Nepal Evergreen, via The Juniper Trust that raises funds so they plant native species to encourage greater biodiversity in the region that I will be trekking.  As the Weigh Ahead shops are now owned for the benefit of the community and with the environment being part of our social purpose this seemed like an appropriate Charity to raise funds for.

"I’m excited about all aspects of the trip.  Experiencing a vastly different culture, the heat of Kathmandu and its hectic and bustling city; the nail biting flight to Lukla Airport, renowned for being one of the most dangerous airports on earth; being lucky enough to trek through picturesque scenery with Everest and the Himalayas as a stunning backdrop; meeting the Nepalese people living in the hills and gaining some insight into their culture; the food; finding out if my body can cope with the thinning air as the altitude increases; wondering if my two bionic hips will manage to cope with the varied landscape on race day, meeting my fellow adventurers and hearing their stories and learning about where they are from; staying in the teahouses and lodges enroute; having the experience of sleeping at base camp where so many intrepid climbers have slept before venturing up the mountain and being thoughtful of those who didn’t make it down; having time away from my normal reality."