A subscriber of the Beaufort Hunt and a former director of the Hunting Office is embarking on an epic challenge aiming to raise £10-£12,000 for Cancer Research UK by climbing Lobuche East Peak in Nepal’s Khumbu Valley in April.
Alice Bowden, who has hunted all her life, realised the importance of cancer research when she underwent surgery and chemo-radiotherapy following a cancer diagnosis in 2019. Five years post-treatment Alice was given the all clear in February 2024 and is therefore keen to raise funds for charity by embarking on this 20-day trek in Nepal culminating in climbing Lobuche East Peak.
Last year Alice took on a 67km trek to Annapurna Base Camp within the Himalayas. She describes the Himalayas as “a place she fell in love with, putting life into perspective with its incredible beauty and wonderful people”.
The trek to Annapurna Basecamp – which is 4,130m above sea level - was just the beginning for her. Having had a taste of the mountains in one of the most spectacular parts of the world, she has decided to challenge herself again. Using the same company, Elite Exped – founded by a team of record-breaking mountaineers, including Nimsdai Purja MBE - Alice is taking on the peak which stands at 6,119m above sea level.
The trek involves between four to seven hours activity per day, requiring a high level of physical fitness and mountain awareness for which Alice has been training over recent months.
Pictured: Alice Bowden (Credit: TTL Videos)
As part of her fitness preparation, Alice spent many weekends last summer and autumn trekking around the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains, while this winter she has also had many days following hounds on foot which she enjoys (nearly) as much as when mounted! She commented:
“We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and being able to cross the countryside is something we must never take for granted. As people within the hunting world appreciate, we are lucky enough to see more areas of the British countryside than most.”
Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance praised Alice’s incredible efforts:
“This is truly inspirational and is yet another example of a member of the hunting community selflessly helping others by raising funds for charity. We all wish Alice the very best of luck with this epic challenge and hope that those who are able to can support her incredible efforts.”
Those wishing to support Alice’s efforts can donate through this link.
Cancer Research UK is a leading cancer charity focussing on funding scientists, doctors and nurses at the forefront of research and cancer treatments. They also provide valuable information to patients, their families and the public, as well as developing evidence-based policies which inform government decision making relating to research and development.
Image: Alice Bowden at Annapurna basecamp (March 2024)