Kilkenny sisters make epic Everest climb in memory of late mother

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Sisters Julie Anne and Marie Bowden climbed to the base camp of Everest between November 11 and 25 to fundraise in memory of their mother Kitty Bowden who died from Multiple System Atrophy.

“We made it to base camp,” said Marie. “It was such a great experience, a little bit of altitude sickness on the last day or two. We are thrilled we made it. The scenery along the route was incredible, the nights were cold and our water bottles froze on occasion, but it was worth it.

“The walking was fine as it was well broken up into shorter more manageable stints. We had incredible guides with G Adventures who looked after us so well. Our oxygen levels and heart rates were measured at the end of each day of trekking and recorded. So nothing was left to chance.

Kilkenny sisters' epic Everest climb for their brave 'Mam' who defied Multiple System Atrophy

Marie and Julie Anne Bowden to climb to Everest Base Camp in memory of their mother Kitty Bowden who died in September

“The guides ensured we walked at a steady pace ensuring nobody was going too quickly which is essential to succeeding. We met some great people along the way who we shared stories and laughs with. An experience we will never forget.

“Mam was with us every step of the way. I felt in some way we set her free in the Himalaya! We are over €18,000 now, close to our €20,000 target.”

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com