"The Adventure of a Lifetime" communicated by Thuraya sat phone

"The Adventure of a Lifetime" communicated by Thuraya sat phone

Thuraya XT LITE Satellite Phone is one of the most cost effective handsets available

This week GTC customer Ricky Munday will leave his home in Cambridge to begin the almighty challenge of climbing Everest for Macmillan Cancer Support.

"I’m attempting to climb Everest in memory of my twin uncles - Patrick and Michael McGowan - who were both taken by cancer." says Ricky. "We lost Michael in 1998 at the age of 58. We lost Patrick in 2008 at the age of 69. Their passing was devastating, but Patrick’s final weeks and months were eased by the incredible support provided by hard-working, compassionate and dedicated Macmillan nurses. The family will always be grateful for that support."

Ricky got in touch with GTC to discuss his communication requirements having been given a Thuraya XT-LITE satellite phone by a friend for the expedition.

Although many adventurers would love the opportunity to keep followers updated with photos and videos, sending this kind of media by satellite can be costly, and not an option for those raising funds for charity. However, Ricky has an innovative way to stay in touch and plans to use the sat phone along with the iPadio service which records any phone call and streams it live on the web - a cost effective and easy way to keep followers back home updated on his progress.

Here's a recording Ricky made on one of his previous expeditions using the iPadio service:

Of course, climbing Everest is not something you decide to do overnight. Ricky says, "To prepare for this expedition, I’ve spent the last decade organising and completing twelve expeditions to the world’s greater ranges - I’ve now climbed four of the seven continental summits, and climbed to a maximum altitude of 6,962m on the summit of Aconcagua. I’ve attempted to climb some of the world’s most iconic peaks, including Khan Tengri, Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Matterhorn, Aconcagua, Elbrus and Damavand. I’ve completed solo ascents of several Grade II winter routes in Scotland and Wales, Mont Blanc and an unguided attempt on the Matterhorn. I’ve climbed up to winter Grade IV in Scotland as a pair."

We'll be keeping you updated on Ricky's progress during the expedition but please read more on his Facebook page or use the link below to donate what you can.