Sydney TV presenter takes bowel cancer awareness to new heights

PR Log (Press Release) – Jul 20, 2009 – He has climbed Java's Krakatoa, gazed upon the plains of Africa from Kilimanjaro, and resided with nomads in the Sahara - ultimately, there is nothing television presenter Peter Wells won't do for a taste of adventure.

However, the next expedition planned by the Sydney Weekender star is perhaps his most ambitious yet - to climb the south face of Everest and in the process, raise awareness of Australia's second biggest cancer killer, bowel cancer, and funds for Bowel Cancer Australia.

Peter's climb of the Himalayan peak of Cho Oyu in 2005 took him to 8201m - Everest is 647m higher.  "While that doesn't sound much, the difficulties and dangers of mountain climbing increase exponentially above 8000m," Peter said.

"It's all about mental toughness, and I am under no illusions - this is going to be an extreme challenge," he said.

For real estate agent Stephen Bock, the expedition is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and the chance to honour his father Robert, who died last year at aged 60 from bowel cancer.

"Climbing Everest is something I thought my dad would see me do," Stephen said.  "Now I want to climb it as a tribute to him and, at the same time, raise awareness about a disease that takes 80 lives every week in Australia," he said.

Sponsorship from the corporate sector has been kicked off with a pledge of close to $20,000 from the Ray White real estate network.

"We're hoping that the incentive of having a company's logo photographed on the top of Everest will attract other corporate sponsors," Stephen said.

"To have your logo carried to the top of the world is something special," he added.

Video cameras will be attached to the moutaineers' equipment so that live footage of their progress can be streamed into school classrooms.

Members of the public who want to be part of the group at Everest base camp can also join the fundraising effort.

Meanwhile, training has already begun in earnst for the trio.

"Climbers have turned back just 150m from the summit of Everest," Stephen said.

"Every step at that altitude is the same as if you were running a 100m dash at sea level," he said.

"It's going to be a huge challenge.  We are just three normal corporate guys... but we believe we've got the determination and focus to do it."

Bowel Cancer Australia CEO Mr Julien Wiggins said we are grateful to the many people who do a fantastic job raising funds for our charity.

"We wish Peter, Darren and Stephen every success in their attempt to take our bowel cancer awareness message to the highest summit on earth."

"Good luck!"

Register online to lend your support at: www.everest2010.com.au