Firefighters complete Mount Everest Basecamp Trek!

In March, three firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) successfully climbed Mount Everest’s Basecamp.  

Firefighter Carl Marsh of Penarth Station, Watch Manager Mark Potter of Barry Station and Firefighter Tony Gromley of Ely Station all took on the challenge and fundraised for a number of charities. 

Mark and Tony completed the challenge alongside friends Neil Goodrich, Matt Price and Ian Symonds. The group is known as the ‘Peaky Climbers’. 

The group flew out on 19 March 2023, then drove from Kathmandu to Salleri the next day. From Salleri, they drove by jeep over mountain tracks to the start of the trail in Surke. This is the original route they used to take prior to Lukla airport. 

Prior to their arrival, there had been an avalanche on the trail which injured a porter and shut the trail entrance. This meant the team had to re-route over some difficult terrain, which was physically demanding at times, especially with the altitude.  

As they ascended, sleeping in altitude became more difficult for the team.  

They had sun, rain and snow, and endured temperatures as low as -17°C.  

The group travelled with a Nepalese team, their guide Hari and three porters, Bibechan, Sukra and Abash, who supported them and kept them motivated during their climb.  

The Peaky Climbers arrived at Mount Everest Base Camp on the 4 April and returned home on the 9 April. 

Mark said:

“We’d like to say a massive thanks to all those who donated and sent kind words of support through social media. It all helped to keep us motivated and positive throughout the journey.” 

If you would like to help Mark and Tony hit their target, you can still donate via their Just Give Page. Their chosen charities are the Fire Fighters Charity and Mind In The Vale Of Glamorgan.

Carl Marsh’s chosen charities are Velindre Cancer Centre, The Stroke Association and The FireFighter Charity. Please visit and donate via his GoFundMe Page.