News from a Mud Hut

On top of the world

by Lowna Gie : May 24, 2010

On 17 May 2010, Bonita Norris risked severe altitude sickness, hypothermia and frostbite to raise money for ChildVoice International.  Bonita, at 22 years of age became the youngest British woman to summit Mount Everest.  According to her website (www.bonitanorris.com) Bonita’s message is simple “Never, ever stop believing in yourself. You never know where you might end up.”  About the summit, Bonita says “[When we reached the summit] I looked up and there I was, surrounded my other climbers on top of the world. We had run out of earth- no more up. We had done it…I hugged my Sherpa an embarrassing amount of times, and recognized other friends there who I had made along the way. We were all lost in our own thoughts- exhausted but elated, trying to let the reality of our situation sink in- we were the highest people on earth... As I plodded away from the summit I took one last look at it- I knew I would never see it again. I felt so very lucky. So, so lucky…The true feeling of jubilation came when I arrived back at base camp…At camp we were met with cheering, pot banging, lots of hugs, beer, sweets and beautiful posters made by Ally and Kritika- I cried and cried! I was safe, we had all made it. The sun was shining, I had a cold drink in my hand- it was a beautiful day…I feel so proud to have the new record.  It's a dream come true.  I missed everyone back home a lot, but I must admit I had the time of my life out here.”  Bonita will be visiting ChildVoice’s Lukome centre this summer.  We are excited to meet her and hear all about her adventure.