Virtually climbed Lhotse Face where fixed ropes have to be used to get across a sheer wall of ice, and where ice blocks can catapult down the mountainside, they say one slip and you're gone - thank heaven for Strawberry Hill in June, where the only slip is into a field of barley!
However, Hiking the Height of Everest remains a big Challenge, ice or no ice, thank you to everyone for all your support and encouragement.
The Nestling Trust High Hopes Team has one purpose - to raise funds to help reduce the spread of Covid -19 in the vulnerable communities of Nepal, and so, to save lives. ​

It is a slow ascent virtually through the Silent Valley and although a stunning place, apparently the clouds roll in from the lower ranges of the Himalayas up the valley and into the camp which is on the last rocky place at the foot of the icy Lhotse wall.
In reality, clouds certainly did roll in, over Strawberry Hill - many clouds and heavy with rain! We remain fired with the purpose of this virtual Everest Challenge - to help save lives in Nepal. to edit.

These members of the High Hope Team have become part of the scenery hiking up Strawberry Hill at all times from dawn to dusk and in all weathers! They have taken up the challenge to Hike the Height of Everest, to help raise funds to provide medical supplies and food to the vulnerable areas of Nepal to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus and save lives in Nepal.

Liz and Liz are joining the Nestling Trust High Hopes Team. They are aiming to reach the virtual height of Everest Base Camp during June, to help raise funds to help save lives in Nepal.
Well done for taking up the Challenge, and a very warm welcome from all other Team members.

Dunkery Beacon - 520m, isn't exactly Everest, but good training for the start in June of 145 ascents of Strawberry Hill which will be 8848meters - the equivalent height of Everest. For more information here is the link
​:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/nestlingtrustUK

The polytunnel frame is now constructed from bamboo grown locally. Krishna and his friends from Alliance Nepal have worked swiftly to erect this shelter to protect the vegetables, from the hailstorms and monsoon weather which is expected from mid June. It now awaits the polythene covering. Meanwhile the children have been very excited wanting to help plant the vegetables.
Huge thanks to krishna and Alliance Nepal for their hard work ensuring the children will have fresh vegetables in the months ahead.

Finally after weeks trying to locate essential medical items such as masks, gloves, aprons and thermal gun thermometers etc Sitara, our partner NGO organised delivery to four of our five Health Posts today with a further delivery planned on Thursday to Lapilang Health Post and the District Health Office medical staff.
In these exceptional times with the Covid-19 virus spreading so rapidly around the world, it is hard to find such equipment, even in developed countries, so we can understand the difficulties Sitara has faced in gathering these items and also for arranging the transportation despite the 'lockdown' in Nepal. In particular finding infrared thermal gun thermometers, vital in trying to identifying those likely to be suffering from the virus has proved to be almost impossible with stocks in the country having been bought up by a syndicate for sale on the black market. Police arrested the perpetrators and confiscated the thermometers. After days of contacting different suppliers and hours of negotiations Sitara has finally secured ten.The Nestling Trust thanks SItara most sincerely for their commitment and determination.
Thank you also to our loyal supporters - without you this would not be possible.

A severe thunderstorm hit the Pokhara area of Nepal yesterday. Hailstones and ice balls the size of golf balls damaged one of the solar panels on the Sarangkot Nestling Home. Many vegetables planted to provide food for the Children's Home, were also destroyed.
It is thought that the solar panel can be repaired after the 'lockdown' ends.

Today The Nepali Times reports that the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID Nepal) has provided a £802,000 grant to help strengthen Nepal’s preparedness and response to the corona virus pandemic (COVID-19).
The support (already provided) has helped mobilise the World Health Organization (WHO) to focus on increasing Nepal’s technical expertise, strengthening sample and laboratory management; disease surveillance and contact tracing; improving infection prevention and control; strengthening information management; and improving the clinical management of cases. Additionally, UK support has also helped provide the crucial consultation services of a microbiologist from Public Health England which complements DFID’s existing technical assistance to Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population.
Lisa Honan, Head of Office for DFID Nepal said, “The UK’s early commitment to tackle the unprecedented challenges presented by this pandemic reflect our strong relationship with the Government of Nepal. We will continue to support Nepal’s immediate and long-term needs, focusing now on protecting vulnerable people.”
Minister of Health and Population, Bhanubhakta Dhakal said, “The government of Nepal has worked actively to take precautions against the spread of corona virus in the country. We are grateful for this timely support from the UK to further strengthen our response to tackle the adverse impact of the virus.”
​
 https://www.nepalitimes.com/latest/uk-support-to-help-strengthen-nepals-response-to-covid-19/ 

In response to the Corinavirus pandemic the Nepal government announced a total 'Lockdown'. This has been enforced by the security forces.
By the 2nd April '20 only 5 cases of people suffering with the virus had been confirmed but it is thought that this is due to lack of resources. So far less than 1000 have undergone testing.
Many migrant workers have returned from India, the Gulf States and China and prior to the 'Lockdown' thousands of Nepali families left Kathmandu and headed for their home villages. It could well be that Corinavirus has already spread to many villages around the country.