Bristol Street Motors car salesman completes 12-day Himalayan charity trek

Bristol Street Motors sales executive Joe Sharland has raised almost £10,500 for charity after completing a gruelling 12-day trek through the Himalayan Mountains.

The 170-mile trek to Everest base camp is the latest in a series of fund-raising challenges tackled by the 36-year-old sales executive – part of the team at the Vertu Motors-owned car retailer’s Derby Seat dealership – and follows a sky dive and participation in the London Marathon a 100-mile bike ride.

He also donated 15 inches of his hair as part of his concerted fund-raising efforts.

Commenting on his trek, Sharland said: “It was the challenge and a trip of a lifetime. It was a hard and tough trek that really tested me both mentally and physically. But the feeling of elation and satisfaction on completing it was out of this world. 

“In addition, it was great to raise an amazing amount for such a fantastic cause.

“I cannot thank people enough for their support and generosity, including the Bristol Street Motors Seat dealership.”

Sharland’s trek – delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic – saw him travel from Kathmandu to Lukla via a small passenger pane before he made his way through the Himalayan Mountains on foot, reaching altitudes of 5,500 metres along the way.

“You cannot train for that feeling and it affects everyone slightly differently”, Sharland said of the trek. “Quite literally, I could get out of breath walking up one flight of stairs.

“The sleep deprivation also adds to the challenges. I don't sleep well at the best of times, but things are enhanced out there due to the cold and uncomfortable conditions.

“The views though were nothing short of incredible. The magnitude of the Himalayas is tough to describe. Everywhere you look there are off-the-scale huge mountains.”

Sharland’s Himalayan fund-raising efforts have succeeded in raising nearly £2,500 for Children with Cancer UK.

They follow £8,000 of charitable giving by Sharland, who has also completed: a Sky Dive for Macmillan Cancer Support; the London Marathon for Save the Rhino; the 100-mile Prudential Ride London and the donation of 15 inches of his hair in aid of Little Princess Trust

In Februaray AM reported that Vertu Motors had entered fund-raising's 'Premier League' with £70,000 charity donations.

Commenting on Sharland’s charity drive, Vertu Motors chief executive Robert Forrester said: “What Joe has achieved is incredible on two levels – completing such a physically difficult journey and raising a commendable amount for a worthy charity.

“He also is to be applauded for how much training, preparation and hard work he put into organising and being at peak fitness for this trip of a lifetime. Well done, Joe.”

Joe said: “Trekking through the Himalayas to Everest base camp was an incredible experience from start to finish.

To learn more about Sharland’s fundraising and to donate, click here.