Everest footage to be revealed at Wales v Barbarians

3rd June 2011

Former Wales flanker Richard Parks will attend the DHL Challenge clash with the Barbarians tomorrow at the Millennium Stadium.

After summiting Everest last Wednesday completing the 7^th leg of his epic 9 leg challenge, Wales will reveal exclusive footage of Parks reaching the top of the world’s highest mountain on the big screens in front of a sell out crowd.  It will be the first film footage shown of Richard standing on Everest, having only returned from the mountain this week.

Richard stated; “Standing on the summit of Everest was such a special moment for me and one that is really hard to put in to words but to be able to share some of the moments from that day with everyone at the Millennium Stadium is just awesome”.

There will also be collection buckets at the game raising funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care so please give whatever you can to help this amazing cancer charity.

Richard is currently at his parents home in Newport after returning to the UK on Tuesday.  He is resting his injured toe after developing frostbite on the Everest leg of his 737 Challenge.  After seeing a host of specialists and consultants this week and further rest, Richard will sit down with expedition and logistical partners Jagged Globe to discuss his plans for the coming weeks in an effort to continue his world first challenge.

Parks has just 2 more mountains to climb to become the first ever person to climb the 7 highest summits of the world and stand on all 3 poles (The North Pole, The South Pole and summit of Everest) in the same calendar year.  Next up is the 8^th leg – Denali, also known as Mount McKinley followed by the final leg, Mount Elbrus in Russia.

Although disappointed not to be on his way to Denali right now, Richard is thrilled to be a special guest as Wales take on the Baa-Baas, he added; “The support I have had from the WRU and everyone in Wales has been amazing.  To be invited to the game and be able to share my challenge with everyone is an honour.  The Welsh public have really got behind my challenge, donating to help me raise funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, fundraising and following my progress on 737challenge.com, Facebook and Twitter.  I am also lucky enough to be supported by Welsh businesses who have invested in the challenge or made corporate donations so I cannot thank everyone in Wales enough for their support”. 

Finally he stated; “Having played for and against the Baa-Baas myself, I know it will be a special game and I am looking forward to watching the match”.

You can make a donation to support Richard Parks' 737 Challenge, just click below to make a donation online via just giving, it's safe, quick and easy.  Pledge now and help Richard in his quest to raise £1 million pounds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Pic: Richard on the summit of Everest with a flag signed by the Welsh rugby squad