Local author Dave Andrews, who lives on the Wern by Weston Rhyn, has recently published his ninth book, entitled ‘Gobowen to Everest’. It is based on a diary he kept during a trek in Nepal and tells the tale of a journey to Everest Base Camp and beyond which starts from Gobowen railway station. Dave has written the book to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and he will be giving a series of talks to promote it
In ‘Gobowen to Everest’ Dave describes life on the chaotic streets of Kathmandu, a perilous flight in a tiny plane to the foothills of the Himalaya, the challenges and the dangers of trekking at high altitude and also his encounters with the Sherpa people, as well as individuals such as actor Brian Blessed and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.
“I had always wanted to see Everest with my own eyes,” says Dave “as I’d read so much about its history. I got an unexpected opportunity when I met Brian Blessed at the theatre in Mold. He was about to make his second attempt on Everest and I joined the expedition’s support team.”
Dave’s last book was ‘The Oswestry Round’, a walking guide to a 33-mile circular route around the town of Oswestry, which Dave also wrote to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and it has since become the basis for the annual Oswestry Round Challenge held in June each year.
“I was treated in the Lingen Davies Centre in 2014,” says Dave. “Writing these books is one way I have of giving something back and saying thank you for the wonderful care I received at Shrewsbury. We’ve sold almost 900 copies of ‘The Oswestry Round’ and together with the Oswestry Round Challenge we’ve raised over £29,000 for the two charities we support. I’m really proud of that.”
‘Gobowen to Everest’ received financial support from Oswestry Borderland Rotary Club as well as friends and family and also members of the public following talks Dave gave to various clubs and societies. This meant that all the publication costs were covered and that money from sales can go to the two charities. ‘Gobowen to Everest’ is sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, and always engaging. It’s the story of a hillwalker determined to see Everest for himself but who occasionally wonders if he has bitten off more than he can chew.
To read more about Dave’s journey to Everest, his book can be bought online at www.oswestryround.co.uk/everest.html or in Oswestry public library, Oswestry Heritage Centre, Rowanthorn, Booka, Gobowen railway station or direct from Dave who can be contacted on dand103750@aol.com or 01691 650293. The book costs £7.
