Brothers take on Everest trek in aid of South Shields cancer charity

Arie Van-De-Lang is to climb Mount Everest for Cancer Connections.
Deborah Roberts — Arie Van-De-Lang is to climb Mount Everest for Cancer Connections. Deborah Roberts

Arie and Rudi Van-de-Lang are on their way to Everest base camp in Nepal, where they will take part in an adventure of a lifetime.

The pair, both from South Shields, had originally wanted to trek through Nepal but due to time constraints were unable to sign up.

Santander staff donate funds to Cancer Connection after Boxing Day dip.
Cancer Connections Deborah Roberts and area manager Steve Irish with mayor and mayoress Richard and Patricia Porthouse — Santander staff donate funds to Cancer Connection after Boxing Day dip. Cancer Connections Deborah Roberts and area manager Steve Irish with mayor and mayoress Richard and Patricia Porthouse

Instead, they have taken on a 40-mile trek from Lukla to Mount Everest base camp in the hope of raising as much cash as possible for South Tyneside-based Cancer Connections.

Arie, 36, a mechanical technician, said: “I’m not back at work until March 20, so decided I wanted to take part in an adventure.

“I had wanted to trek through Nepal but the times did not match up with the time I had off.

“I was told about the base camp trek and, after speaking to my brother, who works offshore, we decided to do it.

“Once the decision was made, we were both really excited – for me it was like being a kid at Christmas.”

The pair decided on raising funds for Cancer Connections after hearing about the charity, based in Harton Lane, South Shields, through a friend who is using the service.

Because of terrain, the trek will take 17 days – and both have spent extra time in the gym to ensure they are fit for the journey.

Arie added: “I am always in the gym, but I have changed my training to include more cardio work, including more uphill walking on the treadmill.

“I haven’t done any trekking before so it will be a new experience for both of us.”

The brothers left the UK, yesterday for Lukla – where they will begin their trek to base camp, stopping at various destinations en route to acclimatise.

Meanwhile, the charity has received almost £3,000 from Santander after staff from its South Shields branch took part in the charity’s annual Boxing Day dip.

The event saw hundreds of people brave the icy waters of the North Sea to raise cash for the charity.

Cancer Connections offers support, advice and guidance to people diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the brothers can visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ArievandeLang