Local couple complete Mount Everest base camp expedition

After an "experience of a lifetime" and one complete with moments of "camaraderie" and "special memories", Marcus and Roisin Boland have recently returned home from an arduous expedition to Mount Everest base camp.

Members of the Mullingar Hiking Group, the husband and wife both took on the challenge of climbing the 5364 metres peak, in the process raising over €4,000 for the local branch of the Samaritans.

The expedition, Marcus said, was also "tinged with sadness" as he and his wife completed it in memory of his late brother Liam who lost his life to suicide in 2015.

The Knockcroghery fitness enthusiast travelled to Nepal with 36 members of the Mullingar Hiking Group, a trip which was 18 months in the planning.

"When the group announced they intended to climb to Mount Everest base camp it was an opportunity my wife and I could not miss. We have been hiking for a number of years so this was the ultimate test for us both," Marcus said.

Marcus discovered a passion for hiking when he joined Roisin on her quest to complete the challenge of climbing the highest peaks in each Irish county.

"We just continued to pursue our passion and thankfully the opportunity to climb to Mount Everest base camp then became a reality," Marcus said.

In preparation for the Everest expedition, Marcus and Roisin commenced a fitness regime that would ensure that they were in the best possible physical shape to complete their climb.

"We have always maintained a certain level of fitness but to complete this climb we increased our training levels taking on regular challenges with our fellow Hiking Group members," Marcus said.

Arriving in Kathmandu via Doha, the group commenced their eleven-day hike in conditions which were "sunny, but cool", allowing progress to be made without hindrance.

The real challenge arrived once the climb ascended past 4,000 metres when the issue of altitude became problematic.

"It doesn't matter how fit you are it is very difficult to contend with altitude once you reach a certain stage of the climb and for five days it impacted on our energy levels," Marcus said.

Contending with altitude while they climbed impacted on all the members of the group in different ways, Marcus explained, saying that he lost his appetite for a number of days while some fellow climbers couldn't sleep due to its impact.

Altitude impact aside, the group of 36 climbers achieved their goal when reaching Mount Everest base camp following an eight-day trek, with 5,364 peak conquered.

"Those last couple of climbing days were particularly tough but there was a feeling of pure elation when we reached our goal. It was just an achievement to complete the climb with so many like-minded people," Marcus said.

Now refreshed from his Everest expedition, his thoughts are focused on his next climbing challenge with Mount Kilimanjaro a possibility in 2026.

"The experience is certainly challenging but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat," Marcus concluded.