People across Midhurst and Petworth hold Nepal earthquake fundraisers

Laying coins on the trail are Rory Nugent and Sophie Bayne-Powell from Plaitsow and Kirdford Primary School

Midhurst-based Mike Trueman, who has led more than 20 expeditions to the Himalayas and four to Everest is donating all royalties earned from the May sale of his new book about the world’s highest mountain, to the earthquake appeal.

Mike who has also led school trips to Nepal through his True-Adventure company said: “I have heard from one of my friends in Nepal, Pertemba Sherpa, who was the lead Sherpa for Chris Bonington and also the guide for the Prince of Wales. Pertemba was trekking in the mountains with a UK charity team when the earthquake struck and they were all fortunate to escape. But Pertemba’s description of the devastation in the Solu Khumbu, close to Everest, was heartbreaking.”

‘The Storms’, is Mike’s story of expeditions to Everest. He gives a unique personal perspective on the 1996 storm when eight fellow climbers were killed and Mike descended to Base Camp to coordinate the rescue.

Former Midhurst Rother College student (MRC) Sam Massey-Steel, currently is holding a solo re-showing of the ‘People of the world’ exhibition, focusing on his pictures taken while trekking in Nepal with fellow MRC students and Mike Trueman. All proceeds will go to the disaster fund. “If possible I would like to donate specifically to help the areas both school teams worked in on the 2013 expedition to Nepal.”

Mike is donating signed copies of his book to auction at the exhibition.

Suzy Hutcheson, reprographics co-ordinator at MRC who trekked in Nepal ten years ago and has kept in touch with friends there, has offered to help set up the exhibition.

The Rotary Club of Midhurst and Petworth sprang into action getting approval for an emergency street collection and raising £1280 in just seven hours. Together with Inner Wheel Charity Funds, the money will provide four ‘shelter boxes’ to house homeless and destitute families.

“A massive thank you to Midhurst folk for your generosity,” said Rotary spokesman John Barrett.

And at Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School, pupils and staff made a 100 metre long ‘Himalayan Coin Trail’ raising £206.

Headteacher Charlie King, said: “The children’s response to the crisis has been fantastic and their fundraising has been terrific.”