65 Degrees North (65DN) is making final preparations for its toughest challenge yet – climbing Everest.
The Inmarsat-sponsored organisation seeks to help in the rehabilitation of wounded and damaged current or ex-servicemen and women by offering the opportunity to participate in extreme adventure.
In April, a six-strong team led by 65DN founder Rich Morgan will fly to Nepal to begin a two-month expedition to summit the world’s highest mountain.
Speaking at the expedition launch event hosted by Inmarsat at its London HQ, Rich said: “Everest is the ultimate challenge. As part of the training and selection process the team have had to prove themselves, both physically and mentally. They have all trained and gained experience on another mountain at high altitude and are well-prepared.
“Every mountain presents its own risks and challenges, and Mt Everest will be the fifth in the seven-summit bid that 65 Degrees North aims to achieve. I am confident that this team are ready to give it their all, and will push themselves to the absolute limit to prove there is life beyond injury and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it!”
Since 2014, 65DN has challenged over 80 wounded, injured and sick (WIS) serving personnel and military veterans to overcome physical and mental barriers through endeavours such as climbing mountains, cycling 450 miles, and sailing around the coast of England. In doing so, they have raised over £100,000 for military charities and won the support of The Royal Foundation Endeavour Fund of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Inmarsat has been supporting 65DN since the very start with a satellite communications package which Rich describes as “vital on so many levels”.
He explained: “It provides safety and security by enabling the team to check in with the support and medical team; peace of mind and comfort through the ability to contact loved ones, which is vital for good mental health and wellbeing; the means to update progress in real-time and share the journey with the world through social media and interviews, which gives the team a real purpose and sense of achievement through engaging and inspiring others; and the ability to read messages of support which can be a huge morale boost when times get tough.”
For the Everest ascent, the team will carry a rugged IsatPhone 2 satellite phone, an IsatHub iSavi terminal to use with their own smart devices, an ultra-portable Cobham Explorer 510 BGAN terminal and an Explorer 710 BGAN for the fastest on-demand video streaming.
Meet the team and find out more: inmarsat.com
