Having watched her dad struggle with mental health challenges, Beth lost her father to suicide 4 years ago.
“He wasn't only an extraordinary dad, but a person, too. My dad was not afraid of challenges, and often sought them out. Though the biggest challenge that my dad faced was bipolar.”
They had always spoken about going to New Zealand one day together or doing Kilimanjaro. But after watching a documentary on Sherpas, they had agreed one day to climb Base Camp.
Next February, Beth is going to trek to Everest Base Camp on her own in her dad's memory.
“In doing something like this, it takes away the sadness from him not being able to anymore.”
“I know that once I start, it will not only be physically challenging, it will be emotionally challenging – but I think that he would have just loved it.”
“By completing the challenge it’s something that can help me not only honour my dad, but it will bring attention to the men, not only in my life, but those that might see the fundraiser or hear about it from their friends and start talking. With the help of Movember that’s something that can change also.”
You can follow Beth's journey and donate on her Mo Space.