Kezia's memory will make it to Everest Base Camp

The dad of Kezia Mason, a Jersey College for Girls pupil who tragically took her own life aged just 14, is taking on Everest Base Camp to raise money for the charity set up in her name.

This September, Rob Mason will take on the Everest Base Camp Trek with five friends from Jersey to raise money for Kezia's Fund. 

The route, which climbs over 18,000ft, will be completed over 12 days through the heart of the Sherpa homeland from Namche Bazaar.

Rob said: "Personally, this is both a significant mental and physical challenge, but obviously, it's got the emotional attachment of doing it in memory of Kezia and to raise money for Kezia's Fund. 

"Kezia's Fund was set up following her death in 2022 and so far has raised £200,000 to support projects for children and young people's mental health in Jersey.

"This has been distributed to 18 different organisations that support projects.  Sadly, each grant round is over-subscribed so we haven't been able to support every application. We must keep fundraising to support these critical projects. 

"We've supported a variety of projects, including counselling services, to supporting people who have had specific traumas."

Rob is completing the challenge in memory of his daughter Kezia (pictured), and to raise money for the charity in her name 

Rob has previously completed the Inca trail in Peru in aid of Dementia Jersey, which he said gave him the inspiration to push further and go as far as he can.

"The people joining me are a large group of friends and a guy that I met on the Inca Trail. Hopefully, we will push each other along and drag each other all the way to Everest Base Camp.  

The challenge, which he has described as 'ridiculous' for someone who 'considers walking to the fridge a workout', comes just weeks before Rob turns 50.

"I'm not in great shape at the moment so I've got a lot of training to do between now and September. The best Jersey can offer is our rugged and steep north coast cliff paths, so that is where I will be spending a lot of my time - walking my dog up and down those hills.

"We do have to be prepared for a lot of cold on the Everest Trek, the night-times in September can get to -10, but the days can be quite pleasant."

Rob encourages people to donate and 'stay tuned for updates' which he warns 'may just be me crying into an oxygen mask.'

"As much as it is about the fundraising, it's also to get the message out there about mental health, and that mental health is as important as physical health."