Fascinated to hear of OS Connor Lancaster's (NH,CH,16-23) fundraising challenge that will see him follow in his Father's foosteps to the top of the world.

🏔️ From Bishop’s Stortford to Base Camp – Climbing for a Cause That Counts 🏔️

This year, I’m setting out on one of the biggest challenges of my life—climbing to Everest Base Camp in support of The OddBalls Foundation, a brilliant charity that raises awareness of testicular cancer and men’s health.

Over 12 days, I’ll be trekking through some of the most remote and unforgiving terrain on the planet—through altitude sickness, freezing nights, and long, gruelling climbs—all to raise funds for a cause that genuinely matters.

But the real journey didn’t start with a plane ticket or a backpack. It started at Bishop’s Stortford College.

Looking back, so much of what’s pushing me forward on this challenge was first sparked by my time at the College. From Bronze to Gold, completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award taught me how to embrace discomfort, build resilience, and find meaning in the challenge itself. Whether it was long treks through British rain or early mornings setting up tents, it was all shaping a mindset that’s now taking me to the Himalayas.

It’s because of the College—its support, its values, and the spirit it instilled in so many of us—that I feel ready to take this on.

💙 Why OddBalls?

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. The OddBalls Foundation works to break down stigma, promote awareness, and deliver life-saving educational talks in schools and universities across the UK.

I’m aiming to raise £2,500 to support that mission—and every pound raised will help fund programmes that make a real difference in young people’s lives.

👣 Following in My Dad’s Footsteps (Literally)

Part of what makes this trek so personal is that I’m following the exact path my dad took years ago, when he climbed to Everest Base Camp himself. His stories lit a spark in me as a kid—and now it’s my turn to carry that legacy forward.

In fact, before I even reach the Himalayas, I’ve set myself one more challenge: beat his 5K time of 21:28. Because this isn’t just about reaching Base Camp. It’s about pushing my limits, physically and mentally, to honour the journey—and the cause—every step of the way.

🙌 How You Can Help

Whether you're a fellow Old Stortfordian, a current parent, or part of the wider school community—your support would mean the world.

👉 Donate: Connor’s Trek to Everest for Oddballs! 

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📸 Follow my journey with photos and updates throughout the trek
🤝 Interested in sponsoring, collaborating, or helping spread the word? I’d love to connect

This challenge is about more than mountains. It’s about community, legacy, and doing something meaningful for others. And it’s thanks to Bishop’s Stortford College that I feel prepared to take it on.

Let’s make it count.

Connor Lancaster
 (NH,CH,16-23)