Midhurst Fundraiser reaches Everest Base Camp after a year of endurance challenges
After a year of relentless training and endurance events, Matt Shepherd, partner at Henry Adams Midhurst, reached Everest Base Camp, marking the completion of a remarkable fundraising journey for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Having already raised more than £5,900, Matt hopes to inspire further donations to support the charity’s valuable work with young people living with cancer.
The expedition to Everest Base Camp was the culmination of an extraordinary schedule of endurance events. Over the past two years, Matt has taken on 14 ultramarathons across the UK and abroad, including eight challenges of 100k, such as the London to Brighton run and the Jurassic Coast 100km. He also completed a gruelling 84km run through the Jordanian desert and the Three Peaks 24-hour Challenge.
Arriving at Everest Base Camp was a powerful moment in his fundraising journey. “Reaching Everest Base Camp was honestly overwhelming,” said Matt. “After so many months of training, planning, and pushing through one challenge after another, it felt surreal to finally stand there and take it all in. I also felt incredibly grateful for my health and for everyone who supported me along the way.”
Matt’s trek tested him in every way, from battling altitude sickness and freezing nights to the monotony of limited meals. “There were plenty of tough moments,” he admitted. “What got me through was focusing on small goals, like reaching the next tea house or a peak with a new view. And knowing why I was doing it, raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust, gave me the mental strength I needed when things got really hard.”
Among the standout moments were watching the sun rise over the Himalayas, the kindness and strength of the Sherpa guides, and meeting fellow trekkers from all over the world. “And that final moment of standing in the shadows of the tallest mountain on Earth made every step over the last two years worth it,” said Matt.
“This journey has been about more than just physical endurance; it’s been about purpose,” Matt said. “Knowing that every mile and every climb has helped raise money and awareness for such an important cause means everything.”
All funds raised go to the Teenage Cancer Trust, a UK charity dedicated to improving the experience of young people aged 13 to 24 facing cancer. The money raised will help fund specially trained nurses and youth workers who walk with young people every step of the way, from supporting them when they’re first diagnosed to helping them rebuild their lives once treatment ends.
“Together, we have raised an amazing amount of money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and I couldn’t have done it without all the generosity, encouragement, and belief in the cause,” said Matt. “Every donation, kind message, and constant motivation kept me going through every step, both in training and on the mountain. Knowing that our efforts will make such a meaningful difference fills me with pride and gratitude. Thank you again for being part of this journey - we did this together.”
Matt hopes to continue raising awareness and support, although first, he’s going to take some time rest and reflect on his experiences.
“I’ve promised my wife I’m going to sit on my hands for a bit, and enjoy some time with our new son Theo, who was born this year,” said Matt. “But there’s always another mountain to climb, so never say never!”
To learn more about Matt’s challenges or to donate, visit his fundraising page at JustGiving.
