FDM joins forces with charity Para-Monte

Throughout 2018, FDMers across the globe participated in a step challenge to raise funds for Para-Monte. The challenge saw over 370 FDMers engaging in various active challenges to support this worthwhile charity; from organising city tours across Frankfurt, fun runs in Singapore to hill climbs in the Lake District.

Para-Monte was set up by Chris, Jeannet and Emma Savory in dedication to Adam, their son and brother, a fit and healthy 25-year-old young man who lost his life to altitude sickness whilst travelling in Peru. Adam fell ill following a 15-hour bus trip to the city of Cusco where many young travellers visit to hike the Lost City of the Incas.

Whilst acclimatising to the heights of Cusco (11,200ft) where the air is thin and as such, there is less oxygen, he knew and read that it was normal to feel under the weather, just think of it as ‘a hangover or cold’, is what you’re told. Adam’s symptoms worsened very quickly, leading to rapidly needing hospital care, where unfortunately his battle was short and he lost his life.

Chris, Jeannet and Emma felt that Adam’s loss should not be in vain and focused on creating a charity with the vision to:

• Raise Awareness on the health risks and dangers when travelling at Altitude worldwide
• Promote and provide education on safe travel at Altitude
• Promote and support research into the causes of Altitude Illnesses

Para-Monte aims to reach as many people as possible to spread the word about Altitude Illnesses in the hope that they can educate on acclimatising safely.

The charity works closely with the University of Brighton Environmental Extreme Lab to carry out the educational and research aims set by their charity. The technology used in the lab includes a hypoxic chamber which has provided innovative research for the general public, climbing groups and charity ambassadors, in keeping them updated with future developments.