Everest mountaineer and Ray White agent workout for a cause

Ray White's Stephen Bock on Mount Everest

Ray White Manly Director and Everest mountaineer Stephen Bock is one of the key members involved in an all-day fitness event to raise money and support those affected by the earthquake in Nepal.

Stephen will partner with Joe Bonington, from ‘Joe’s Basecamp’ to raise funds which will go directly to the Australian Himalayan Foundation. Joe was the official Australian Everest 2010 team coach when Stephen climbed the mountain.

“Joe and I have close ties with the Australian Himalayan Foundation, and we would like to get funds to them as quickly as possible to help the communities which have been devastated by the quake,” Stephen said.

“We really want to pull together as a community and do something meaningful for humanity.”

“This disaster in Nepal has directly affected friends of mine in a country that I love, it would be really special for us to come together and raise as much money as possible,” Joe added.

The pair will be running various fitness events catering to all fitness levels, at a range of time-frames.

“We will have an all-day fitness event which will feature a climbing wall for beginners and advanced participants. The idea is that anyone from the community can attend and workout for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or any time-frame they can,” said Stephen.

He added that for those who would prefer a bigger challenge, an all-day endurance event will be available in an altitude chamber set at 3000 metres.

Stephen will be trekking in the altitude chamber with a weighted pack for as many hours as he can handle. He will aim to continue his trek for the entire day.

“3000 metres is significant because that is the same height as one of the schools that was destroyed in Nepal,” he said.

The chamber is glass-fronted, so people who are not up for taking part are still able to attend and watch.

The event will begin at 7.00am on Saturday May 2, at Joe’s Basecamp, Unit 2, 16-22 Cross Street, Brookvale.

If you would like to donate, please visit Joe’s Basecamp Nepalese Fund.

For more information, like the Facebook event page.

Media and photography on the day are welcome, with easy access to the gym as well as the altitude chamber.