Steve set to be first pacemaker-user in Everest Marathon

Photo: Vincent Brown

READY for a run? Steve Watts and Everest - image by VINCENT BROWN

A CHAMPION fund raiser is gearing up to be the first person with a pacemaker to take on the Everest Marathon.

Steve Watts of Chadderton had the heart device fitted three years ago after running thousands of miles for charity over the years, principally foir the former Booth Hall Children’s Hospital.

Steve (62) will be making his second journey to the world’s highest mountain when he competes in the race next year.

His first was a surprise 60th birthday gift from his brother Peter (56), who lives in Shropshire.

The joy of being there - the trip had been a lifetime ambition of the endurance runner - turned to tragedy when 16 sherpas were killed in an avalanche.

The tragic events left Steve and his brother emotionally drained - but true to his fund-raising roots, Steve and his brother will be returning to take on the marathon to give something back to the region.

“Since 1963, the 10th anniversary of Hillary and Tenzing’s climb, my brother and I had dreamed of following in their footsteps. Fast forward 50 years and Peter handed me a 60th birthday card with lots of numbers inside - the coordinates for Everest!

“We could never have envisaged that during this incredible journey we were to witness the tragedy unfold as we made our way to base camp. We watched the helicopters bringing the casualties from base camp to be airlifted to Kathmandu.

“We were all emotionally wrecked, but we continued our journey, though all summit attempts were cancelled. We reached base camp thanks to the help of some of the most incredible humble and amazing people I have ever met.”

Steve will raise money for the Himalayan Trust UK to provide further education for the sherpa children.

The other half of the money will go to the British Heart Foundation. Steve had a pacemaker fitted three years ago after visiting North Manchester Hospital feeling faint.

After seeing the queue, he walked back out to his car, but began to feel faint again and was urged to return inside and was fitted for a pacemaker after doctors found a low heart rate. The marathon follows consultation with his cardiologist

Steve keeps fit by cycling and running across the farms of Chadderton with his retired trailhound Sally every day. At his peak he would run well over 100 miles a week, again with his dog.

“Having witnessed the avalanche and now the horror of the earthquake it’s made me even more determined to give something back to them,” he added.

Steve will follow St Joseph’s Primary School’s deputy head teacher Steve Hill from Shaw, who finished the marathon in nine hours, 52 minutes and 55 seconds last year.

Anyone making a donation can guess Steve’s marathon finishing time and the nearest will win an all Inclusive holiday to Tenerife, donated by the Hotel Playa Real, where he stayed for training in January, 2014 before the Everest expedition.

Visit www.heartbeatforeverest.com to donate to the cause.