Scaling the heights for charity: TT fan tackles the Himalayas for Simon Andrews Fund

TT racing fan has raised £1600 for the Simon Andrews Fund by scaling the heights of the Himalayas –and is now looking for help to push that total past £2000. 

Airline pilot and lifelong rider Paul Owen, 62, had zero mountaineering experience before his trip and travelled to the mountains in March with the dual goal of achieving a bucket list ambition to scale a 6000m+ Himalayan peak and also to raise money for the Simon Andrews Fund. 

Andrews was a hugely talented short circuit and road racer who was tragically killed at the 2014 North West 200. His family set up the fund in his name to help injured riders from the road racing community. 

“To say it was tough would be quite accurate,” Owen said. “Without a doubt, it was the most difficult and challenging task I have ever set myself.  

“I initially climbed to high base camp, which is at about 15,000ft. After some rope training in the afternoon and an early supper, we set off a little after 3 am.”   

The intrepid fundraiser continued: “We then had about three hours of climbing over icy rock and welcomed an amazing sunrise over the Himalayas then transferred to crampons and fixed ropes for a three-hour climb up the glacier.  

“After six hours, we reached the summit in perfect weather conditions and were rewarded with spectacular views of Everest and the surrounding peaks, something I will never forget. It was a long and exhausting day but very satisfying. If through my efforts I can raise awareness and raise some money for these injured TT riders it will make reaching the summit even more rewarding.” 

If you’d like to help Owen surpass his fundraising target, head to his GoFundMe.