Boxing champion to conquer Everest
GLENN MCCRORY PREPARES FOR BIGGEST CHALLENGE
GLENN McCrory has already climbed to the top of the world. Now he intends to do it again!
Tyneside’s only ever world boxing champion has taken on the audacious challenge of scaling Mount Everest, the highest peak on earth.
It follows his success in reaching the summit of Africa’s highest Mount Kilimanjaro last year.
“I know it sounds crazy and it probably is, but I’ve never been able to resist a challenge,” McCrory told me. “This, however, is the biggest I’ve ever faced by far.
“I was prepared for my world title bout – I was 24, in the physical shape of my life, and doing what came naturally. This time it’s going to take a monumental amount of training just to get me there.
“Yes, boxing took me out of my comfort zone on occasions and I’m very proud of what I achieved, but in lots of ways this is scary. I dislike heights, I don’t like being cold, and I have no wish for my nose or fingers to fall off!
“It’s a concern if I think about it too much but I’ve always had a fascination with Everest and when the opportunity came along I couldn’t say no. It’s the spirit of adventure I have in my soul.
“Everest was first conquered only 10 years before I was born andeveryone Mount Everest Glenn McCrory
has seen the images of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay standing on the summit. It has a romance about it.”
Now 54, Glenn faces a slog of a routine before he even attempts the 29,029 feet climb in April and May of next year. He did the 19,341ft of Kilimanjaro for charity last October but knows this is a different challenge altogether.
“I want to test myself and benefit other people which is why we’re raising money for kids,” he explained.
This time McCrory is climbing for the Children’s Christmas Wish List charity and its founder Craig Collins explained how the epic challenge came about.
“When Glenn completed Kilimanjaro he posted his video on the summit and I sent him a message saying: ‘well done, fantastic achievement, maybe Everest Base Camp next!’
“To my surprise, not only did Glenn respond but told me he doesn’t do halfway on anything. If he was going to Everest he was going to the top!
“He offered to take on Everest Summit Expedition for our Charity The Children’s Christmas Wish List.
“After weeks of texts and calls we arranged to meet up. I drove to Newcastle to have dinner with Glenn and meet him for the first time. The next morning we headed off to meet with