Make a wish fundraisers

After the tragic death of their close friend and colleague, Inspector Paul Carr, earlier in the year, three Victoria Police officers are even more determined to fulfill their dream to conquer Mt Everest in 2005.

 

Sponsored by Aussie Bodies, the intrepid adventurers have so far raised $70,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation and look certain to surpass their original target of $100,000 by the time they head back to the Himalayas next May.

 

In May this year, the team attempted a preliminary climb of Cho Oyu, with a summit just 65m lower than Everest. They made it to Camp 3, a level of 7400m and just one stop short of the final climb at 8000m, before Insp Carr died of a heart condition.

 

Detective Senior Constable Jack Carmody is in training at ground level in preparation for another ascent at Cho Oyu early next year, before tackling Everest in 2005.

 

"Cho Oyu was a real test of strength and a battle with the mind. But if you put your mind towards something, you will overcome any obstacle," Constable Carmody said.

 

"Mountaineering is the toughest endurance sport there is. As the body tries to acclimatise to the increasingly thin oxygen, blood thickens, the heart beats quicker and lactic build up in the muscles accumulates."

 

To help adjust to the high altitudes and trek onwards and upwards, the team took advantage of a combination of protein bars and creatine drinks.

 

"All our drinking water was mixed with Creatine Blast which gave us the added energy we needed to improve acclimatisation. We would drink a litre before doing a major walk then top up throughout the walk.

 

"Protein FX bars also helped tremendously, not just for recovery but for satisfying our hunger without interrupting the climb. It meant we didn't have to stop and prepare food."

 

Constable Carmody's current training program includes a pack march up 60 flights of stairs carrying 25 kilos on his back. His plan is to build up to 300 storeys per session once a week.

 

To help Constable Carmody and his team help the children of the Make A Wish Foundation, visit the Make A Wish site and make a donation.