The father of a young islander who took her own life at the age of 14 has reached Everest Base Camp as part of a fundraising challenge in her memory.
Rob Mason reached the 9,000ft milestone this week in aid of Kezia’s Fund, which was set up in memory of his daughter Kezia Mason, who died in 2022.
Alongside six of his friends, Rob has been trekking between six and eleven-hours-a-day in extreme cold through forests and glacial rivers with the help of oxygen masks and high-altitude medication.
The group hopes to reach the Kalapatar summit, which sits at 18,000ft above sea level, after 12 days.
Rob and his friends have already raised over £13,000 for Kezia’s Fund, which offers grant funding to organisations working to improve mental health for young people in Jersey.
The timing of the trek also coincides with Rob’s 50th birthday later this month.
He said: “This trek is more than just a physical challenge for us – it’s a way to honour Kezia’s memory and continue the work of her fund.
“The impact has been profound, giving many young people in Jersey access to resources and support they desperately need.
“But we know there’s still so much more to do to close the gaps in mental health services.”
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