Name: Dale Darling, 38, USA,
Occupation: International Sales (Almonds) for Blue Diamond Growers
Reasons: Since reading the Seven Summits by Dick Bass and Frank Wells have worked toward climbing the seven summits and this is #5 on my list.

Name: Derek Chinn, 39, New Zealand
Occupation: Civil Engineer
Reasons: I have always wanted to climb Mt Everest since seeing a talk by Doug Scott at the age of 14.

Name: Roy Fouche, 49, South Africa
Occupation: Company director
Reasons: Climbing Mt Everest has been a dream since reading about Irving and Mallory as a kid. Reached the North col in 1998 (7100m) and determined to get higher this year. 2004 is also the 10th Anniversary of South African democracy and the climb will also mark this event

Name: Kiek Stam, 59, Holland, married and has 4 grandchildren who are watching with interest.
Occupation: Retired
Reasons: Climbed to 8565 m via the South east Ridge of Mt Everest in 2003 and was forced back by malfunctioning oxygen mask, this was a 3rd attempt on the same expedition..

Name: Paul Hockey, 41, Australia, married with 3 children
Occupation: Japanese speaking tour guide
Reason: To attempt to be the first disabled climber up the North East ridge of Mt Everest(Paul lost his right arm to cancer as a child), and also to raise money and awareness for the Children's Cancer institute of Australia.

Name: Josef Mayer, 69, Austria
Occupation: Wine grower, Furth-Gottweig N.O.
Reasons: Wants to climb Mt Everest because it is there. Would like to greet his family and all friends in Austria.

Name: Andrew Marquis, 42, Australia
Occupation: Financial Consultant
Reason: It has been a long time objective to climb the original Mallory and Irvine route on Mt Everest.

Name: David Tait, 41, England
Occupation: Portfolio Manager
Reason: I view Mt Everest as the ultimate challenge. In addition I hope to raise money for the NSFPCC (National Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Children).

Name: Gabi Kraus, 28, Germany
Occupation: Nurse
Reason: Since I have seen the Everest 2 years ago from the Rongbuk Monastery I have dreamed of standing on its top and I am happy to be a part of this expedition.

Name: Thimo Sommerfeld, 36, Germany
Occupation: Healthcare consultant and investor.
Reason: Because it has always been then ultimate challenge . I hope to well prepared for Everest having climbing Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua earlier this year.If successful I intend to leave pictures of my sons Leon and Adrian on the summit.

Name: Harry Reeves, England (lives in France)
Occupation: Chalet Operator and Property Developer
Reason: Everest has not been a long term ambition but I like taking on a big challenge every couple of years and this came along at the right time. Looking forward to learning a lot in a relatively short space of time.

In addition there are 2 trekkers who have accompanied the team as far as base camp

Name: Hannah Tait, 15, England
Occupation: Student
Has come as far as basecamp with her father. Has never trekked before and wanted to experience this with her father. Is due to leave tomorrow to head home. She describes
the whole experience as impressive and it has inspired her to come back as a climber and possibly the youngest British female.

Name: Lisa Williamson, 36, New Zealand
Occupation: Doctor
Has joined the team to trek as far as advanced base camp. I came on the trip because my husband Derek Chinn is to attempt to climb Everest and I wanted to see for myself the Mountain and expedition set up. It has been a fantastic trip to base camp across the Tibetan plateau and Base camp itself is better organised and luxurious than you would imagine. I stay with the team for a further week acclimatising before going to advance base camp at 6450m and I then head back to Kathmandu.

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