Help a UK Nurse climb the Seven Summits of the world

Hi, I’m Rowena, a UK based nurse, advanced clinical practitioner and lecturer in nursing. I've spent my working career caring for others and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals, and now I’m setting my sights on an extraordinary personal challenge: climbing the Seven Summits of the World.

The Seven Summits represent the highest peak on each of the seven continents, and they include some of the most challenging and formidable mountains on Earth.

To date, I have successfully summited:

Mount Kilimanjaro 5895m (highest mountain in Africa) January 2024

Mount Elbrus 5642m (highest mountain in Europe) August 2024

Aconcagua 6961m (highest mountain in South America) February 2025

This April, I am travelling to Nepal to take on Mount Everest (8849m), highest peak of Asia, and indeed the world!

This will then leave me with the final three mountains:

Carstensz Pyramid 4884m (Indonesia)

Mount McInley/Denali 6190m (North America)

Mount Vinson 4892m (Antarctica)

Why I’m Doing This:

Climbing the Seven Summits is more than just an adventure for me. It’s a way to raise awareness about the importance of health, self-care, and mental resilience. As a nurse, I understand the importance of perseverance, mental and physical strength, and pushing oneself beyond perceived limits — qualities that I will need to bring with me as I embark on this incredible journey.

Having worked on the NHS frontline throughout the COVID pandemic, I’ve learned how critical it is to care for both body and mind.

The pandemic tested us in ways we never imagined. It has brought to light the critical importance of healthcare workers, many of whom risked their own health and wellbeing to save others. For some, the battle continues even after the crisis has subsided, as we continue to face the aftermath of the pandemics impact on both our patients and ourselves.

In light of this, I’m honoured to be raising money for the RCN Foundation along the way. The RCN Foundation provides vital support to nurses and healthcare professionals, offering funding for education, research, and initiatives that improve the quality of care in healthcare settings.

By supporting my climbs, you’ll be directly contributing to these efforts that benefit healthcare professionals and, ultimately, the patients they care for.

If you wish to make a donation to the RCN foundation, please follow the link to my JustGiving page:

Rowena's JustGiving page - RCN Foundation

Each summit I climb will not only be a personal achievement but also a chance to give back to the nursing community that has shaped my career. I want to use this platform to highlight the incredible work nurses do and provide support to those who need it most. I hope my expeditions will inspire others to push beyond their own boundaries and embrace their own journeys.

What I Need:

Embarking on this challenge requires both time and resources, and I need your support to make it a reality. The funds will go towards the remaining three expeditions:

Carstensz pyramid - approximate costings are currently around £16,000

McInley/Denali - £12,500

Mount Vinson - due to the remote location and logistics, this trip is the most expensive. Ski South Pole Messner start and guided Mt. Vinson trip will be approximately $118,300 USD.

The bigger dream, beyond completing the seven summits, is to undertake the ‘explorers grand slam’ which is the addition of skiing to each pole, one that I would hopefully begin whilst climbing Vinson in Antarctica.

Throughout this challenge, I will be documenting my experiences to inspire others and share the story of my journey. This includes the creation of a blog, social media posts, and videos to show how far determination and passion can take you.

How You Can Help:

Every donation, no matter the size, will bring me one step closer to achieving my goal and supporting a cause I’m passionate about. Your support not only fuels my climb but also helps amplify the voices of those who work in healthcare.

If you would be interested in supporting me via a sponsorship, please do get in touch.

Together, we can push the limits of what’s possible and create something incredible. If you’re unable to donate, I’d appreciate it if you could share my GoFundMe page with your friends, family, and networks.

Thank you so much for your generosity and support. I can’t wait to share this adventure with you all, and together, we can show the world what it means to rise to the challenge — while giving back to those who make a difference in healthcare every day!

With gratitude,

Rowena

Nurse, Lecturer, and Aspiring Adventurer