Ill adventurer airlifted after Everest drama

ASWANSEA man had to be airlifted from the world’s highest mountain after suffering a severe reaction to the high altitude.

Glyn Davies was part of a team who trekked to Everest base camp to raise money for ABF The Soldier’s Charity.

But his medical drama kicked in shortly after they reached their goal.

Ex-Swansea serviceman Peter Davies said he collapsed following a team photo at base camp and had to be taken from the mountain by helicopter to receive medical treatment.

Thankfully, he pulled through and is now recovering at home in Swansea.

Everest is in the Himalayas mountain range and is located on the Nepal/ Tibet/China border.

It stands at 8,848 metres, or 29,029 feet, while base camp is at 5,364 metres.

Tens of thousands make the trek every year, but the high altitudes makes the journey potentially lethal.

Peter Davies, who is now the regional director for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: “We departed on a cold damp Saturday morning to meet up with the UK expedition leaders and team doctor from London.

“We had an opportunity to visit the Monkey Temple while spending two days in the capital Kathmandu, prior to flying to Lukla Airport which is one of the most extreme and dangerous flights in the world. The runway is 500 metres long and is located on the side of a mountain which is a challenge all of its own.”

Peter, who thoroughly enjoyed the trip, said: “We experienced breathtakingly beautiful scenery, a fascinating culture and friendly people.

“Meeting the villagers while trekking through this landlocked gem, our route took us via the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar through beautiful valleys, dense forests and across glacial rivers, enjoying tantalising glimpses of the mighty Everest before we reached our goal of Base Camp.”

Most of the team suffered with altitude sickness on the way up the trail but Glyn Davies collapsed with high altitude cerebral edema – a medical condition in which the brain swells with fluid because of the physiological effects of travelling to a high altitude.

Another team member was admitted to hospital on her return to Britain with suspected pneumonia but is now back to good health.

Peter, who also returned unwell, said: “I just returned with an awful cold which I believe is normal for this type of environment. I was so proud to be part of this team, what they had achieved and to share this once in a lifetime experience with them all. “

The team played host to a series of fundraising events in both Cardiff and Swansea over a year, which helped to bring in £15,000 for The Soldiers’ Charity.

You can donate online at www.just giving.com/companyteams/everestbctrek