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Everest expedition will go ahead
SIR RANULPH Fiennes' ascent of Everest is to go ahead, it was announced yesterday, despite restrictions imposed by the Chinese and Nepalese governments after recent protests about the occupation of neighbouring Tibet.
Doubt had been cast upon the expedition – which is in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care's Delivering Choice programme – after the Chinese government put pressure on the Nepalese authorities to close the mountain due to fears about protesters staging events on the mountain ahead of the summer Olympics in Beijing.
But although Everest will be closed between May 1 and 10, Sir Ranulph and his team – which includes experienced Himalayan guide Kenton Cool – still hope to reach the summit in the middle of that month. Some restrictions, however, will be put in place, although these have not yet been confirmed.
Mr Cool said: "Having spoken to the Nepalese authorities, we are confident that the Everest challenge can go ahead and we leave for Nepal on April 2."
Sir Ranulph's expedition is being funded by a 1m donation from Barnsley-born businessman Paul Sykes, who previously funded the explorer's ascent of the north face of the Eiger.
The pair hope that the trip will raise at least 2.2m for Marie Curie's Delivering Choice programme, which allows terminally ill patients to choose where they spend the end of their lives.
Marie Curie has warned that without 6m over the next three years it cannot afford to extend the scheme beyond seven current pilot projects.
To make a donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care, contact Julia Bailey on 0113 214 7901 or 07795 564 813, or write to her at Marie Curie Cancer Care, Chantry House, Victoria Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3JB.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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