A Northallerton couple has completed a challenging trek to Everest Base Camp to raise thousands of pounds for their local air ambulance service.
Janet Goodman, 58, and Jonathon Goodman, 54, both keen weekend walkers, took on the ambitious journey to the foot of the world’s highest mountain in support of the life-saving cause.
This was their first major expedition, and the pair spent two years training for the trek, by increasing elevation gains and tackling more peaks to build the strength and resilience needed for the Himalayas.
“Trekking to Everest Base Camp had been on our bucket list for a while, and it’s one of many treks we hope to complete.”
Janet
The pair, who work for the logistics company W. H. Malcolm Ltd, self-funded the whole journey and decided to use this opportunity to raise funds for charity.
They chose to support the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) because of the vital role the service plays in helping critically ill or inured people, particularly those who work or spend a significant amount of time outdoors.
“Given the job that we do and our hobby, we may one day need the service, but hopefully not.”
Janet
Their journey to Base Camp took eight days, including two acclimatisation days.
Despite the trail being quite demanding at times, the couple were rewarded with incredible views.
“Going up, our morale was high and we had a good team supporting each other, even on the long, hard days.”
Janet
After successfully reaching the base of Everest, the couple were overcome with emotion at the milestone they had achieved.
“We were overwhelmed with joy, we were all crying.
“The views, working as a team, and the guides were definite highlights.”
Janet
Janet and Jonathon Goodman Mount Everest cheque presentation
Once they returned to the UK, the couple visited GNAAS’ base near Eaglescliffe and presented the charity’s critical care team with a cheque for £3,225.88, which included a donation of £1,000 from the Donald Malcolm foundation.
Janet and Jonathon have already set their sights on an even bigger challenge and have pledged to continue raising awareness and funds for GNAAS.
GNAAS have launched an appeal called Operation SOS: Secure Our Service and need to raise £2.5 million to secure the deposit for a third new helicopter. Find out more on their website: gna.as/secure_our_service
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-treehouse-in-fall-right-a-low-angle-shot-from-under-a-person-riding-a-sky-bike-suspended-amongst-colourful-treetops.png?id=53788892&width=1200&height=400&coordinates=0%2C136%2C0%2C136"/><br/><br/><p>Looking for the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-fall-foliage-best-canada-photos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best fall foliage spots</a> in and around Montreal? You may want to think less about location and more about your potential vantage point.</p><p>At one <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-mingan-archipelago-ranked-among-best-places-to-visit-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quebec travel destination</a>, just 90 minutes from Montreal by car, you can live and play amongst the leaves via flying bicycles and deluxe treehouses.</p><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal/au-diable-vert-lets-you-float-down-a-river-on-a-tube-all-summer-long" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Au Diable Vert</a> is a mountain resort in the province's <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal/7-eastern-townships-spots-you-need-to-explore-this-summer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eastern Townships</a> region. It describes itself on its <a href="https://audiablevert.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> as an award-winning and "totally unique four-season outdoor centre," offering "people-powered activities and eco lodging."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7y95F5NSc6/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7y95F5NSc6/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>From hiking on their private 22-kilometre trail system to star gazing at the "world's first open-air augmented reality planetarium" to kayaking, snowshoeing and visits with the on-site farm's <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/the-highland-cows-at-au-diable-vert-are-prettier-than-youll-ever-be-photos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adorable Highland cows</a>, Au Diable Vert offers something for everyone all year round. </p><p>That said, it's even prettier in autumn — and, as we mentioned, there are two ideal ways to get an optimal look at the fall colours.</p><p>The first is by way of the 1,000-metre '<a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/you-can-ride-flying-bikes-through-the-forest-only-90-minutes-from-montreal-this-summer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VéloVolant</a>' circuit. Passing over ravines and waterfalls, you'll soar through the treetops on a suspended recumbent bike (think: stationary bike or spin bike), gliding along a cable supported by towering maples and pines. </p><p>The ride lasts 45 minutes and is basically a combination of cycling and zip-lining. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVQt8tbv7rY/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVQt8tbv7rY/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>The bike only travels as quickly as you pedal so you can stop to bask in the beautiful views of Vermont's Green Mountains. Or, pick up the pace to get your adrenaline pumping.</p><p>While visiting Au Diable Vert for the day is a good option, sleeping over is even better. The resort has a unique roster of accommodations, including treehouses, where you can rest your head next to treetops adorned with stunning shades or reach out and touch the leaves from your deck.</p><p>The treehouse cabins, some of which are over 16 feet tall, can fit up to eight people. They're well-insulated and come equipped with actual beds, battery-powered LED lights and wood stoves you can use for cooking. You'll get access to shared bathroom facilities during your stay. </p><p>If you get tired of "roughing it" in the wilderness, you can always visit the quaint shops and restaurants in the nearby towns of Abercorn and Sutton for Hallmark-level autumn vibes.</p><p>It's the perfect fall getaway for you and your friends, lover, family or pup, as the whole park is dog-friendly, including the cabins!</p><h3>Au Diable Vert</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjxk-VKrhw0/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjxk-VKrhw0/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: </p><ul><li>VéloVolant: $50 plus tax per adult (includes access to trails for the day)<span class="redactor-invisible-space"></span></li><li>Treehouse cabins start at around $149 per night.</li></ul><p>Address: 169, ch. Staines, Glen Sutton, QC</p><p><a href="https://audiablevert.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Au Diable Vert Website</a></p><p><em>These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.</em></p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>
