Oliver’s one Helvellyn challenge as he participates in APEX Everest 2025 

Oliver Gregory is undertaking this year’s Apex Everest challenge in memory of his mum Emma, and to raise funds for The Orange Foundation, which provides practical support for people living with cancer. 

Oliver, who is a serving Royal Marine Commando, will be quite literally following in his mum’s footsteps as he aims to summit the Lake District’s Helvellyn Mountain nine times.

During the challenge, he will complete a 12 km loop nine times in 48 hours, which means he will cover 108 km (67.5 miles) and an elevation of 8.8km (5.5 miles) – the same height as Everest.

His mum – Emma – was a competitive fell runner and was no stranger to Helvellyn, as it was one of the peaks that she traversed when completing the Bob Graham Round in May 2010. 

Oliver said:

“I’ve been looking at numerous challenges that I think would pay tribute to my mum’s endeavours, and this challenge connected with me as mum used to wax lyrical about Helvellyn and how it was a beautiful but could be dangerous if you didn’t respect it. It was one of Mum’s favourite Lake District Mountains.

“She was an incredible endurance athlete, completing numerous ultramarathons, fell races, including an Iron Man, but she used to say that the Bob Graham Round was her greatest sporting achievement.

“I think her positive mindset and resilience were part of the reason she outlived her original diagnosis of six months’ life expectancy when she was told she had Stage 4 bowel cancer. One of her friends said that even when faced with the most demanding situations, she was a tornado of positivity.

“I’ll be channelling my mum when taking part in the challenge.”  

APEX Everest has nominated The Orange Foundation as its charity partner for this year’s event. Adam Clayton, managing director of APEX Everest Ltd, commented.

“When I learned about Oliver’s decision to enter the event and the connections between the event and his mum’s incredible achievements, it was a no-brainer to have The Orange Foundation as our charity partner, and we look forward to partnering with the charity and raising funds to help people who are living with cancer. I’m looking forward to seeing him on the mountain and at the finish line.”

Oliver, night climbing.

To donate to Oliver’s challenge, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/olivers-apex-challenge