British mountaineering legends, top rock climbers and celebrities are raising money for the mountain people of Nepal in a high profile auction on eBay, ending on Sunday 12 July. Over £15,000 has been bid so far, and the BMC are urging people to keep 'digging deep and bidding high'.
© BMC
The #BMC4Nepal auction is being led by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) with support from the Alpine Club, in partnership with eBay. The fundraising target is £29,029 – the height of Everest in feet.
Over £7,500 was raised in the first batch of auction lots which ended on Sunday 5 July. Winning bidders bagged top lots, including two pieces of Everest summit rock (specimen from the highest exposed outcrop in the world at approx. 8840m), collected in 2009 for scientific purposes.
There are 39 auction lots still up for grabs ranging from highly collectable Everest memorabilia, artwork and books to unforgettable days out with big names.
Fancy afternoon tea with Michael Palin CBE or a Lakeland fell walk with mountaineers Sir Chris Bonington and Doug Scott CBE? How about a walk/dinner or Land Rover experience with record breaking British mountaineer Kenton Cool? Bid now for a training session with top rock climbers Shauna Coxsey and Steve McClure or an afternoon rock climbing with former Alpine Club president Mick Fowler.
LIVE ON EBAY: Check out the 39 items on eBay!
Legendary Everest mountaineers Chris Bonington and Doug Scott, said:
“We're calling for everyone to get behind this auction. It’s your chance to win some very unique items – including us!”
Michael Palin CBE said:
“Having travelled in Nepal and been enchanted by the country and its people, I want to do my bit to help repay them for all their hospitality. This could be among the most useful cups of tea I’ve ever had.”
The auction is the brainchild of new BMC president Rehan Siddiqui. He said:
“This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of British exploration history which would never come up for public sale. Please spread the word to your friends and share on social media #BMC4Nepal."
“Support for the Nepalese people is particularly strong amongst the mountaineering, climbing, trekking and other outdoor activities community, who have long held a deep regard for this region and its wonderful inhabitants.”
The Alpine Club, whose members have shaped climbing in Nepal since it was first opened to westerners 66 years ago, is supporting this venture and its members have generously donated some valuable items of remarkable significance.
Mount Everest enthusiasts can bid for three unique items donated by the family of Mike Westmacott, a member of the 1953 Everest team which made exploration history by reaching the top of the world’s highest mountain. Mike was the team member who ran down from the mountain with Times journalist Jan Morris to report the historic news in time for the Queen’s coronation. Items include a commemorative silver cigarette box and a rare collection of butterflies collected on the successful 1953 Everest expedition.
Or why not put in an offer for your very own piece of mountaineering history? You can bid to win key equipment like Stephen Venables’ crampons and Pete Boardman’s boots worn on Everest expeditions as well some of the very latest kit from top outdoor brands and unique artwork.
Artwork under the hammer includes Himalayan paintings by James Hart-Dyke and Julian Cooper.
Proceeds from the auction will go to Community Action Nepal (CAN), providing long-term support to the mountain people of Nepal. CAN is a UK based charity whose aim is to help the mountain people of Nepal through operating medical posts, schools and mountain porter rescue shelters. The charity was founded by Doug Scott CBE, who in 1975 made the first British ascent of Everest. Many of the mountain communities in which CAN’s 40+ projects are based have been devastated or displaced by the earthquake. Read about CAN's response to the earthquake.
Proceeds from the auction of top of the range gear from Sherpa Adventure Gear, will go to help the Paldorje Sherpa Education Fund to provide immediate relief on the ground to benefit the children of Sherpa families in remote villages.
HOW: to get involved in the auction
BID NOW ON EBAY: Check out the 39 items on eBay!
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