Teenage Aucklander conquers cancer and Everest foothills
Two teenage New Zealanders recently completed a 15-day trek into the Mount Everest Valley.
A teenage Auckland battler has conquered cancer and climbed the foothills of Mount Everest.
Michelle Martin, 19, has come a long way since her battle with skin cancer last year.
In April she completed a 15-day trek through Nepal to Pangboche, 4200 metres above sea level, in the Everest Valley.
Michelle says it was an amazing experience.
“I am pleased I got the opportunity, seeing a country like that makes you appreciate everything you have so much more.”
Judith Martin, Michelle’s mum, says climbing Everest was a goal her daughter set while she was sick.
Michelle says it helped to think of her goal when she was recovering.
The vet nursing student travelled to Nepal with her 18-year- old sister Katrina, who studies sport and recreation.
When they weren’t walking for up to six hours a day the sisters visited a school and volunteered at a reforestation nursery founded by Sir Edmund Hillary.
Both girls say they were shocked at the standard of living.
“I couldn’t believe the schools were so basic, some only had wooden benches,” says Michelle.
Katrina says working at the reforestation nursery made her want to go back again so she can see the impact of her help.
Their next goal is to return to Everest and climb over 5000 metres above sea level to Base Camp.
“This is our next big goal and even though it’s only a 1000 metres higher it takes an extra week because of the altitude,” says Michelle.
Despite training for months before their trip the sisters both struggled with the altitude, especially on the last three days.
While they really want to go back to Nepal for now Michelle and Katrina are focussing on their studies.
