Volunteer’s Everest climb raises over £5k for Trust

Andy Zallmann climbed to Everest Base Camp and raised £5,100 for Rochdale Connections Trust.

A volunteer has raised over £5,000 for the Rochdale Connections Trust in an adventure which saw him climb to Everest Base Camp.

Andy Zallmann, 41, described as a “valued member” of RCT, got involved with the Trust after a back problem forced him into a career change.

Mr Zallmann had been in the army when an accident left him with a damaged back, he went on to work in print finishing before being told to give up the job because of his injury.

Despite the back injury Mr Zallmann maintained his interest in fitness and outdoor pursuits. Last year he decided to climb to Base Camp and raise money for RCT at the same time.

Mr Zallmann’s trip in November took three weeks and was a test of physical endurance and fitness. He said: “The whole experience was out of this world. Every day was challenging but rewarding.”

This week the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Alan Godson and Gillian Brown, joined with friends and supporters of Mr Zallmann’s at RCT on Drake Street to hear about his adventure.

On the night Mr Zallmann also presented a cheque to the Trust for £5,100.

Kathy Thomas, Chief Executive of RCT, said the Trust is “delighted” with the amount raised.

Mr Zallmann, said: “I am very happy with the amount I have raised.. I set a target of between £5,000 and £10,000 but I had no idea what I would achieve.”

Mr Zallmann was supported by a number of local stores and businesses who helped to raise the initial funding to get him to Nepal and to provide equipment and clothing.

He concluded: “I have made some good friends who I will keep in touch with and the whole experience has inspired me to do more things like this in the future.”

Mr Zallmann now hopes to take place in the Three Peaks Challenge in June.