Devon duo take on Himalayan Challenge to raise funds for Westbank Community Health and Care

Two Devon men are preparing to take on the adventure of a lifetime - trekking through the Himalayas to raise money for Westbank Community Health and Care, a charity that supports tens of thousands of people across the county every year.

John Powell, Director of Unicare Devon, and Andy Green of One Touch Health set off on an expedition to Everest Base Camp before continuing their climb to Island Peak, reaching an altitude of over 6,000 metres.

The pair are self-funding the entire trip, ensuring that every penny raised goes directly to Westbank, which delivers vital health and wellbeing services to help people across Devon live healthier, happier, and more independent lives.

John explained the motivation behind their mountain mission:

“Unicare Devon is dedicated to supporting family carers in the Teignbridge area and that’s what has inspired us to take on this fundraiser for Westbank, a fantastic Exminster-based charity that does vital work across the whole of our county.

“Westbank's Devon Carers service currently provides practical and emotional support to 34,000 unpaid adult carers, the people who quietly hold up our health and care systems by supporting their loved ones every day. Westbank’s Devon Young Carers supports several thousand carers aged under 18, who often miss out on the kind of activities other young people take for granted. By making a donation, you’ll be helping us to help them.”

For Andy, the challenge is particularly personal - and physical.

“This is only my second attempt at a full-scale mountain. The highest I have climbed before is only 4,200m on a pass three years ago before becoming unwell with altitude sickness. So, it will be quite a challenge for me. However, the preparation I’ve done with an altitude simulator has been a great help and will hopefully get me to the top.”

Both have been training intensively for months, balancing work commitments with long hikes and endurance sessions to prepare for the tough conditions.

John added:

“We’ve been training for months in preparation for this challenge and are funding the trip ourselves because we want to raise as much money as possible for our cause. We’re grateful to Classic Carers in Exminster who are kindly covering the cost of Andy’s kit hire for high altitude boots and crampons.”

John and Andy departed on Saturday, 11 October, and are due to return on Tuesday, 4 November 2025. Alongside their essential gear, they’ll carry a Westbank flag, which they plan to place proudly at the summit once they complete their climb.

The pair have set a fundraising target of £1,500 and are encouraging supporters across Devon to donate and help make a difference for carers and communities.

To support their journey and contribute to the fundraiser, visit:
www.westbank.org.uk/fundraisers/john-and-andys-fundraiser-for-westbank-community-health-care