A FORMER marine is planning to scale Mount Everest to raise money for two military charities.
Samuel Deen, who served in Afghanistan, wants to reach the summit of the highest peak on Earth for the Combat Stress and Royal Marines’ Charity.
The 30-year-old, who moved to Barnsley in December, is hoping local people will dig deep and support him in his charitable efforts through his JustGiving page. He is also appealing for sponsors to help him cover the costs of the £40,000 expedition.
Samuel, of Priory Park View at Ellwood Park, near Lundwood, wants to take on the 8,848m climb as he says it is the ‘pinnacle of mountaineering and human endurance’.
“It fascinates me, legends have been formed and tales of heroism seep from its core. To walk in their footsteps would be unimaginable,” said Samuel, who left the marines a couple of years ago and now works as a dog handler in the search and security trades.
“People climb mountains for a variety of different reasons, for myself the transition into civilian life has been extremely tough, extreme highs and cataclysmic lows.
“There are many amazing charities out there that help ex-military personnel when they need it the most. These charities need financial support.”
He’s already completed the climb to Everest Base Camp but before he can attempt the summit, and start raising cash for his chosen charities, he’s been told he needs some mountaineering experience on Aconcagua in Argentina - nicknamed ‘the mountain of death’ as temperatures can hit lows of minus 20 degrees.
Samuel said: “This is no easy undertaking and will require months of physical and technical preparation, but it is essential before an Everest summit is even attempted.
“I’ve been told I need to see how I react at 7,000m because my body may not be able to cope with it.”
He’s travelling to Aconcagua in December and, if he raises enough money and secures sponsors, he will be heading for Everest in April next year.
He knows both climbs will be punishing on his body, with altitude sickness and oxygen starvation being the biggest risk to life, but he’s confident his military training will stand him in good stead for the arduous and treacherous conditions he faces.
“I was in the marines for five years. I think if I train hard I should be able to get my fitness up but the biggest challenge is the lack of oxygen at 18 per cent.
“Out of the 350 who attempt it every year about four to ten deaths are expected.
“I think I am quite naive in that I don’t think that’s going to happen to me.”
Samuel passed out as a marine in December 2010. He joined the 42 Commandos and was deployed to Afghanistan in April 2011.
He said the tour proved to be exceptionally challenging in ways which he couldn’t physically or mentally prepare for. He said if it wasn’t for charities like Combat Stress he wouldn’t be where he is today and that’s why he wants to give something back.
“I returned from Afghanistan in October 2011,” he said.
“This consequently had a negative effect on my mental well-being and I spiralled into a world of anxiety and depression. I was left to my own devices and prescribed countless medication with absolutely no help from the Ministry of Defence.
“I turned to charities such as the Royal British Legion and Combat Stress. Without their listening ears I wouldn’t be in the place I am today.
“Today I am medication free and living a happy healthy life.
“I’m extremely ambitious and excel at pushing myself. Goals are what keep me positive, I absolutely thrive from challenges and having something to work towards.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor and would like a copy of his business proposal should email sam—d07@hotmail.co.uk. Donations can be made to his JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/samuel-deen.
