Sanjay Gonsalves will trek to the base of Mt Everest.
Camera IconSanjay Gonsalves will trek to the base of Mt Everest. Credit: Supplied/Elle Borgward

Reaching new heights

Susanne Reilly, Southern GazetteSouthern Gazette

But as the years rolled on, he lowered his sights to just catching a glimpse of Everest from Kala Patthar, near the Everest Base Camp, something he will complete next month.

‘Don’t get me wrong, it’s still pretty high, and will surely be a challenge with the cold, the altitude and the air being half of what I’m used to in sunny Perth,’ he said.

But it isn’t just a childhood dream Mr Gonsalves will be achieving, he will also be raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation in honour of his late mother.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The 46-year-old has set his fundraising target at $5000 as a way of giving back the cost of support that was given by the Leukaemia Foundation to his mother during her battle with platelets disorder.

‘A couple of years back, my mum lost her battle with cancer, which she fought with dignity all the way to the end,’ he said.

He added it was tough seeing her struggling for breath for the last few years of her life.

‘This is just one of the struggles that mum, as a cancer patient, had to endure and mum endured her challenge without whingeing and was a real battler,’ he said. ‘So when I am trekking and feel short of breath, it will remind me of her and her grace in accepting her cross.’

He said that his mum used the Leukaemia Foundation’s transport services extensively for hospital visits and appointments.

‘I though this trip would be a great way of raising awareness of the wonderful services the Leukaemia Foundation provides and raise some money to assist them provide this support to other families who need it.’

He will be completing the trek in October. Donations can be made contacting the Leukaemia Foundation on 1800 620 420 or by visiting lfwafundraising.org.au/sanjay_gonsalves.