A FAMILY of three is embarking on an incredible challenge to Everest base camp this week in memory of the "superhuman" Steve Prescott.
Heading on a journey "completely out of [their] comfort zone", Jane Dugdale, her teenage daughter Annie and son Joe, left England for Nepal today (Wednesday, October 12), to climb up the world's highest mountain for the Steve Prescott Foundation.
Ascending to Kala Patthar, located slightly higher than the Everest base camp, the family will begin their 5,645m climb on Friday, October 14, along with Steve's wife Linzi, son Koby, and seven others.
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At notable stages of their life, the Dugdale family decided on doing something out of the ordinary to prove their strength and resilience, and to look back on for years to come.
After reading Steve Prescott's "inspiring" book on his life, cancer diagnosis, and fundraising, Jane explained that she wanted to follow in his footsteps and commit to something special.
The main instigator of the Everest challenge, however, was 18-year-old Annie.
Following a turbulent two years during the pandemic, Annie wanted to make her 18th year one to remember as she leaves behind education for a full-time apprenticeship.
At just 14-years-old, there was debate about whether Joe would be allowed up on the mountain but his determination to prove himself convinced the organisers.
Joe also has autism and has had a difficult time in recent years, resulting in him moving schools to Rainford High, but he is committed to the challenge that will forever remind him of his strength and resilience.
Jane, who used to own Bromdales Ironing Service for the past 20 years, said:
"I have wanted to do something special as I approached 50 but nothing stood out until Everest was mentioned to me.
"My initial thought was absolutely not! But once Annie said she was interested in it, I thought it could be something that we could do as a family that is completely out of our comfort zone, and will always be proud of.
"Joe has had a tough couple of years but he wants to set himself an example of what he can achieve, and I think he will learn so many life skills on the journey.
"We are a typical snapshot of a typical family who wants to do something not so typical, and for a charity that touches so many lives."
While Jane and Annie have completed a charity skydive before, they have done nothing of this magnitude.
To raise money for the Steve Prescott Foundation, the family have organised quiz nights and fundraisers prior to their Everest challenge, raising more than £7000 before stepping foot on the mountain.
Jane, 51, added: "We have been utterly overwhelmed by the support of everyone so far; from family, friends, local businesses, and strangers.
"It's been amazing to raise so much money so far, and it's been great to raise awareness of both the Foundation and Steve's superhuman story for those who are not aware of it.
"It's going to be a challenge but we're looking forward to it, and to having the support of everyone there and back home."
Jane paid special mention to OD's Designerwear, Cementaid, and Leechs Bedrooms, who have sponsored them on their trip.
To support the Dugdale family's efforts and donate to the Steve Prescott Foundation, you can visit their fundraising page here.
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