Young Adventurer's Icy Challenge for a Cause
While many children his age are immersed in video games, nine-year-old Rio James from Oakwood, Derby, was facing a far greater challenge: a treacherous two-week trek to Everest Base Camp. Battling arctic weather and the effects of high altitude, the intrepid youngster successfully reached his goal at 5,364 metres (17,598ft), all to raise money for a cause close to his heart.
A Dream Forged at Six
Rio's ambitious plan was first conceived when he was just six years old. Inspired after watching his father, Jake, fit out a new community supermarket, he was determined to fundraise for those struggling with food poverty. For the next two years, the pair dedicated themselves to training, regularly scaling the peaks of Scotland to prepare for the monumental task ahead.
The emotional culmination of their 12-day journey came on 8th November, when they finally stood at the base of the world's highest mountain. The trip was made even more special as Rio celebrated his ninth birthday during the trek, while his dad had turned 39 the day before.
Facing the Elements and Unexpected Hurdles
The expedition was far from easy. The duo endured temperatures as low as -22C in the evenings and had to contend with acute mountain sickness. Rio noted the strange contrast, explaining that the dry cold of Everest felt different to the -2C chill they experienced upon returning to the UK.
Their challenges began even before they set foot on the mountain. At London Heathrow, airline staff initially refused to let Rio fly without permission from both parents, causing a frantic delay. Further disruptions occurred in Nepal when their flight to Lukla was cancelled due to weather, forcing them to complete the journey by helicopter.
"I had a protein bar instead of a birthday cake," Rio laughed, recalling his unique celebration. "Everyday we took munch bags with chocolate fig rolls, flapjack, biscuits and raisins that kept us going throughout the day."
Triumph and Community Impact
Rio's youth and determination made him a star on the trail, impressing fellow climbers. Both he and his father had to carefully monitor their health, drinking four to five litres of water daily, purified with chlorine tablets, to stay hydrated in the thin air.
Their incredible effort has raised an impressive £2,000 and counting for Reach Community Grocers in Derby, with one company pledging to match the final amount. The charity, connected to their family church, operates a community supermarket and other services to support families facing food poverty.
"I'm so pleased with how it went," said Rio. "It was really snowy and the views were really nice. I think we probably took too many pictures. We tasted some delicious chocolate pancakes."
His proud father, Jake, shared his emotions: "It was emotional when we reached the end. I'm so proud of him and I did have a bit of a cry. These treks are all Rio's ideas and I just go along with them."
Now back home, the ambitious nine-year-old is already looking to the future, with hopes to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro and one day meet his hero, Bear Grylls.
