Everest 2019

In April 2019, Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, organised the LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Challenge, a groundbreaking expedition to set two Guinness World Records on Mount Everest. The challenge aimed to raise over £200,000 to support children with disabilities and facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland.

The expedition team comprised 25 participants, including rugby legends such as Wales’ record try scorer Shane Williams, England World Cup winner Andy Gomarsall, England international Tamara Taylor, and England Sevens star Ollie Phillips. These individuals, alongside other dedicated men and women, embarked on a 24-day journey from 12 April to 5 May 2019.

The adventure began in Kathmandu, Nepal, where the team acclimatised and engaged with local communities. They then traveled to Lhasa, Tibet, and commenced their trek towards Everest’s North Side Base Camp, crossing high passes and rugged terrains. By day nine, they reached Base Camp and continued to Advanced Base Camp at approximately 6,340 meters.

On 30 April 2019, the team successfully played the highest game of full-contact rugby at 6,331 meters above sea level, breaking the previous record set at Mount Kilimanjaro in 2015. Prior to this, they also set the record for the highest game of mixed touch rugby at 5,119 meters.

The funds raised from this challenge directly supported various projects, including the creation of a Multi-Use Games Area at West Road Primary School in Doncaster and the provision of specialist sports wheelchairs for the Coventry Rugby Community Foundation. These initiatives have significantly impacted the lives of children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage.

The LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Challenge exemplified the spirit of rugby and charity, demonstrating how collective efforts can lead to extraordinary achievements and meaningful change.