A respiratory physiotherapist is hoping to make his lifelong dream come true and conquer Everest. Greg Roberts, respiratory physiotherapy team leader at Halton and Warrington Hospitals, got within 800 metres of the summit in 2008, but had to turn back because of bad weather. Winds of 300mph made it impossible to continue. Greg, aged 46, from Allerton in Liverpool, said: “Ever since I was a young boy, I have always wanted to climb Everest. “Three years ago, I came pretty close to it. This time, I am determined to complete it. “The weather changes in May/June and therefore we have every chance of making it this time round.” This time, he will be climbing with his friend, Ray Smith. They anticipate the trip will take two and a half months, starting in Kathmandu in early April.
Greg will be raising money for two charities close to his heart and work, the British Lung Foundation and Motor Neurone Disease Association. He works in the community with patients who have acute respiratory illnesses. The Rapid Response Respiratory Team that Greg oversees, provides chest physiotherapy, oxygen and respiratory drugs to make their lives easier at home. Greg, added: “I see every day what affect respiratory diseases and Motor Neurone Disease has on people’s lives and if I can give something more back to help with research, then my climb will be worth it. “It will be a personal and professional achievement.”
To sponsor Greg, visit www.justgiving.com/Gregory-Roberts-Everest for the British Lung Foundation and www.justgiving.com/Greg-Roberts-EverestMND for Motor Neurone Disease