Knockcroghery native completes Mount Everest base camp trek

In an "experience of a lifetime", Knockcroghery native Rachel Dolan has completed one of her "bucket list" aspirations, an arduous expedition to Mount Everest base camp.

Reaching base camp was the culmination of a nine-day trek for Rachel and 16 colleagues who completed the 130km charity fundraising round trip in October.

The qualified mental health nurse, who is currently based in Perth, Australia, has always had a desire to climb to Mount Everest base camp and on foot of a conversation with Keith Donnelly from the Australian charity 'Keith's Closet', a plan was set in place for the expedition.

'Keith’s Closet' is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to supporting individuals in the community who are accessing mental health services, by providing free clothing, footwear, accessories, and other essential items.

The charity helps restore dignity, build confidence, and empower individuals on their journey toward recovery and healing.

Mount Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 17,598 feet (5,364 metres) and is situated in the South Asian country of Nepal.

Speaking of the expedition experience, Rachel said the journey to base camp had its difficulties.

"The trek would usually take 12 days to complete but due to a storm we couldn't fly from Katmandu airport to Lukla (from where the expedition to base camp starts) for three days. This impacted on our expedition time," Rachel said.

The trek to base camp takes on average 12 days, eight days to ascend to the destination and four days to return to Lukla.

"Being impacted by the storm meant we only had nine days to complete the trek. In normal circumstances you would trek for four hours per day, but we had to do so for eight to nine hours to make up the time lost," Rachel added.

The group had little altitude training but Rachel said her "fitness levels" enabled her to complete the arduous journey."We had completed numerous hikes throughout Australis in preparation for the expedition, but climbing at altitude can really impact your body. Thankfully, we had help from the Sherpas who provided great assistance on the trek. We each adapted differently to climbing at altitude but all made it to base camp," Rachel said.

Prior to her departure for Australia Rachel was a member of the Roscommon minor camogie team win the All Ireland C title in 2015. The St Dominic's club player has kept up her love of the game and is one of a number of ex-pats who have brought GAA to the fore in her adopted home.

"I have had great memories playing for St Dominic's and Roscommon and thankfully I am in a position where the GAA family is strong in Perth and I can continue to play camogie," Rachel stated.

The daughter of Mary and Joseph Dolan, Rachel now has permanent residency in Australia and spent her Christmas with friends in Byron Bay.

"Christmas is always a hard time to be away from home, but thankfully I have a formed great friendships since I arrived in Australia three and a half years ago," Rachel said.

St Dominic's GAA congratulated Rachel for successful expedition to Mount Everest base camp "while raising money for Keith’s Closet charity".

"Before she set off, Rachel hosted an amazing Bingo Loco fundraiser here in the club, and thanks to her effort, along with everyone who came out to support ,a fantastic amount was raised for a cause that means so much to her and to many of us.

"We’re incredibly proud of her achievement. Well done Rachel and thank you to all who supported the fundraiser".