Bradford man conquers Everest base camp in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research

Bradford man conquers Everest base camp in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research content

Sandeep standing in a blue t-shirt, coat, and a hat holding hiking sticks smiling at the camera. In the background you can see the mountain peaks covered in snow lit up by a glowing sunrise.

A member of the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford climbed to Mount Everest base camp, raising over £8,900 to help fund vital cancer research in Yorkshire.

Sandeep Gupta completed the expedition in memory of his best friend, Sonu, who sadly passed away from bowel cancer in 2024.

Sandeep said: “Sonu had just turned 50 when I last saw him, not long before he passed away. It has been difficult to come to terms with losing him at such a young age.”

Each week, 50 people in Bradford are told they have cancer. Yorkshire Cancer Research funds world-leading research and pioneering services to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

Quote from Sandeep Gupta

Cancer affects a lot of people in South Asian and Indian communities. I chose to support Yorkshire Cancer Research because it funds research that can help people in my local community in Bradford, and beyond.”

Sandeep taking a selfie in a blue t-shirt, grey cap, and sunglasses. In the background is a blue sky and snowy mountain peaks.

After landing in Katmandu, the capital of Nepal, Sandeep flew over to Lukla, a small town located high in the Himalayan mountains. Sandeep completed the 14-day adventure alongside one other trekker and led by two Nepalese guides, climbing over 5,000 metres above sea level to reach his destination.

He said: “The trek was physically enduring, and it took a while for my body to acclimatise to the high altitude. However, the local guides were very supportive and helped me through the difficult times.”

He continued: “The higher I climbed, the harder it was to breathe. There were many moments when I wanted to give up, but I thought of my friend Sonu and that gave me the motivation to get to the end. Nothing can compare to the huge sense of achievement I felt once I made it to base camp.”

Sandeep wearing a blue t-shirt that reads 'Sahara India' he is wearing a cap and sunglasses. He is smiling at the camera. In the background is a blue sky and snowy mountain peaks.

Sandeep is stood at an Everest Basecamp sign that is covered in vibrant scarves and flags. You can see the Everest mountain peaks in the background.

In addition to his Everest challenge, Sandeep worked with, the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford to raise a further £2,300 through its annual Diwali celebration event at the end of last year. The evening brought together over 400 people from Bradford and beyond to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights with music, dancing and food.

Quote from Kamal Sharma

Diwali is our festival of lights, so we chose to fundraise for Yorkshire Cancer Research to give light and hope to people living with cancer and their loved ones. We know Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer, and we want to help find treatments that will help many communities in Yorkshire.”

Managing Director at the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research said: “Yorkshire Cancer Research is grateful to Sandeep and the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford for raising vital funds for life-saving cancer research and services for people in Yorkshire. The money raised will help researchers and cancer experts find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, supporting the charity’s mission for a Yorkshire free from cancer.”

The Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford manages the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the North of England. The organisation supports local Hindus in celebrating their community and holds various charity events throughout the year. It plans to raise further funds to support pioneering cancer research in Yorkshire

Find out more about fundraising for Yorkshire Cancer Research