Fighting words inspire fundraising challenge for Dardanup resident destined for Everest base camp

Dardanup man Greg Bragger has set himself the inspirational goal to make it to base camp at Mount Everest in 2024 to raise funds and awareness for the R U OK campaign and Camp Quality.

Mr Bragger, 45, said his plan to make the trip and raise $10,000 for each of the charities was in part inspired by a conversation with a friend about visiting iconic locations.

“So me and my best friend were chatting one night about travel, best places so far, dream destinations and so on,” he said.

“I told him that while I was serving in the British army I have already seen the northern lights, done Egypt, and October just gone done Machu Picchu.

“My goal is to do 10 wonders of the world by the time I’m 50. I told him I would love to do Everest. His words, ‘you wouldn’t even make it to base camp’.”

The travel and photography buff was motivated to raise funds for the R U OK campaign because mental health is relatable to him as an ex veteran from the British Army and a FIFO worker adding that “mental health is huge and mental health is for everybody”.

Mr Bragger said that his daughter’s niece needed support after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and this inspired him to raise funds for Camp Quality.

“For the sake of children needing extra help, families needing a break, just to be able to do what they do,” he said.

Mr Bragger will travel solo and and take on the trek from April 18 2024.

He began training last August in preparation for his trip to Mach Picchu in October with a personal trainer from Anytime Fitness.

Preparation consists of gym workouts, diet, and walking with a 30kg backpack and an altitude mask.

Mr Bragger shared that he will not climb to the top of Mount Everest due to the cost and safety risks.

“It is not cheap to get to the top and there’s no guarantee that you get to the top either,” he said.

The trip is self funded and the money raised will be given to R U OK and Camp Quality.

For more information, the fundraising effort has been launched through Facebook and Instagram.