Conquering Mount Everest
544. Nick Talbot
The first person with Cystic Fibrosis to climb Mount Everest has raised over £90,000 for research into the condition.
Nick Talbot, 40 from County Durham, completed months of intensive training and reached the summit on his third attempt. After his first attempt ended as a result of terrible weather conditions, his second attempt was halted when the 2015 Earthquake hit Nepal claiming 8,000 lives lost. Nick and his team were hit by a subsequent 300m high avalanche travelling at 200mph.
At the age of 12, Nick was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis which gives him a lower lung capacity than most people. He has spent his whole life raising awareness of the condition and fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. This has included taking part in drug trials to help improve medication for people living with the condition.
Nick’s Everest challenge has inspired others to join his fundraising efforts. Nick’s colleagues completed their own ‘Climb for Nick’ challenges to help raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Nick should be enormously proud of this astounding achievement which builds on decades of fundraising and awareness raising for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust. I’m pleased to recognise his commitment and dedication by naming him a Point of Light.”
Nick said:
“I am delighted to win this unexpected award from the Prime Minister and hope it will encourage more people to give to the CF Trust to help find breakthroughs in what is a race against time is for many people alive with CF today.”