Fundraiser Andrew sets sights on remote Hengduan summit to support Anaphylaxis UK and Cancer Research UK

19-year-old Andrew is preparing to take on one of China’s most remote peaks in an extraordinary expedition that could make him the first recorded British climber to reach its summit, all while raising funds and awareness for two causes close to his heart.

This September, Andrew will travel to China’s Sichuan region to attempt the ascent of Mount Wukuchu, a challenging and little-climbed mountain. For Andrew, the appeal of this challenge goes far beyond the summit itself:

“The main thing was the uniqueness and just the sheer amount of planning and logistics that had to go into something like this,” he explains. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could really do something like this.”

The challenge became even more meaningful when Andrew researched a little more to discover there may have been no recorded British ascent of Mount Wukuchu.

“It was a really exciting prospect,” says Andrew. “Finding out there hadn’t really been any recorded British summits in the area motivated me even more to undertake the challenge.“

Climbing with Anaphylaxis

What makes Andrew’s expedition particularly remarkable is that he will be attempting it while living with exercise-induced anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition in which physical activity can trigger serious allergic reactions.

The condition has significantly affected his daily life and training routine, especially during the summer months when environmental allergens such as pollen can increase the risk of reactions.

“After my first reaction, there was a lot of anxiety around it. I was quite scared to do things for a while because I didn’t know if it would happen again.”

Determined not to let the condition define him, Andrew has worked closely with healthcare professionals to develop an allergy management plan that enables him to continue training safely and plan ahead for the expedition.

His preparation includes specialist consultations, carrying multiple adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), careful research into allergen exposure at altitude, and adapting much of his training to indoor environments.

Most importantly, he hopes his journey will inspire others living with serious allergies.

“Don’t give up on your dreams,” he says. “Stick to your management plan, get the healthcare support you need, but don’t let allergies stop you from achieving what you want to achieve.”

Supporting two causes close to home

Andrew is using the expedition to raise funds for Anaphylaxis UK and Cancer Research UK, both of which have personal significance.

As someone living with exercise-induced anaphylaxis, he is passionate about supporting Anaphylaxis UK and helping to raise awareness of the realities faced by those living with serious allergies.

His support for Cancer Research UK is inspired by his stepfather, who has been living with prostate cancer for the past year and a half.

Months of preparation

Training for Mount Wukuchu has required a demanding programme, including intensive cardio sessions, hiking simulation on a Stairmaster while carrying a weighted backpack, incline running, strength training, and endurance exercises designed to prepare his body for long summit days.

Andrew is also planning training trips to Snowdonia and specialist testing at a London altitude centre to better understand how his body will respond to high-altitude conditions.

Summit day itself is expected to be particularly demanding, with Andrew anticipating up to 23 hours of climbing and descending in a single push.

Past winter mountaineering experience in Scotland and Wales has helped Andrew prepare for cold, exposed conditions, but he knows the challenge ahead will be unlike anything he has attempted before.

Journey to China

The expedition will begin with travel from London to China, followed by time in Chengdu and nearby mountain communities to acclimatise before joining the rest of the climbing team.

From there, the group will establish base camp and then move to higher camps ahead of a pre-dawn summit attempt.

Along the way, Andrew is looking forward not only to the climb itself but also to meeting local people and experiencing the culture of the region.

“I’m really excited to meet all the people I’ll be climbing with. I’ve heard some great things about the people in Sichuan and the Tibet region.”

Eyes on the summit

When asked what he thinks he’ll feel if he reaches the summit, Andrew says “relief, definitely. But also pride. Proud of myself, proud of everyone around me, and thankful for everyone who’s helped make it happen.“

Whatever happens on the mountain, Andrew’s expedition is already delivering an important message: challenges, whether medical, physical or personal, do not have to limit ambition.

By taking on one of the most remote climbs of his life, Andrew hopes to raise vital funds, increase awareness of serious allergies, support cancer research, and inspire others to pursue their goals despite the obstacles they face.

To support Andrew’s fundraising efforts for Anaphylaxis UK and Cancer Research UK, please visit his fundraising page and follow his journey as he prepares for the climb.