24 Oct 2026
A St Albans dad of two is embarking on a 15-day trek to Everest Base Camp, which sits at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598 feet), to help raise funds for a rugby club’s new barbecue area.
Damian “Babe” Newby, 47, who runs Herts Groundworks & Civils Ltd, is aiming to raise £5,364 for an outdoor BBQ and social area at Verulamiums RFC, including a solid covered pergola roof allowing year-round use regardless of the weather.
The facility will give athletes old and young, parents and coaches a dedicated space to socialise, strengthening community ties at the club, which dates back to 1948.
Damian is self-funding his trip so all money raised will go straight to the club.
He revealed: “It’s something I’ve wanted to experience for a long time. I’ve always enjoyed physical challenges and the outdoors, but the opportunity to trek through the Himalayas and see Mount Everest up close is something particularly special.
“I’m expecting it to be physically demanding, especially with the altitude, but I’m probably looking forward to the scenery and the whole experience just as much as the challenge itself.”
He has spent the last few months preparing for Babe to Base, the name he has given to the mission.
“I work in the construction industry, running my own groundworks and civil engineering business, so my normal working week is already fairly physical. I’m on my feet all day, often lifting, carrying and working outdoors.
“Alongside that, I’m training in the gym three mornings a week, mainly focusing on strength and conditioning. At weekends, I’ve been doing longer cardiovascular sessions using the Stairmaster and incline treadmill, sometimes alternating between the two for an hour to simulate the sustained uphill walking I’ll face in Nepal.
“I’ve also been working on strengthening my legs through exercises such as hack squats, as I know the long descents can be just as demanding as the climbs.”
But it’s the altitude which is the biggest unknown: “I’m reasonably confident in my general fitness, but I appreciate that altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of how fit they are.
“The trek has been planned with acclimatisation days to help our bodies adjust gradually as we climb. My intention is to take things steadily, stay hydrated, listen to the guides and not push myself unnecessarily.
“I’ve spent quite a bit of time researching altitude sickness and understanding the warning signs. I think it’s important to respect the mountain rather than assume physical fitness alone will get you through.
“December will also bring very cold temperatures, particularly at night, so I’ve been carefully preparing my clothing and equipment.”
He explained why he has chosen Verulamiums to benefit from the challenge: “I’m involved with the Vees through the rugby community and helping with the younger players in the U14s. It’s a fantastic club with teams ranging from children as young as four through to youth, girls’ and adult rugby.
“One of the things I really appreciate about the club is the community around it. It’s not just about what happens on the pitch. It’s about friendships, families and everyone coming together.
“I wanted to use this challenge as an opportunity to give something back to the club and hopefully raise a worthwhile amount of money in the process.
“If we can reach our fundraising target, that would make getting to Base Camp even more rewarding.
“I’m excited, slightly apprehensive about the altitude, and very much looking forward to the adventure. I suspect there will be moments when I’m questioning why I signed up, particularly on a freezing December morning in the Himalayas!
“If/When I make it up to base camp I’ll be raising a Vees flag with all the company sponsors logos to help advertise their businesses.”
You can sponsor Damian’s efforts via his GoFundMe page.
