Royal Marine conquers Everest equivalent to raise money for mum’s charity

Oliver completes gruelling APEX Everest challenge for cancer support charity The Orange Foundation

A local Royal Marine Commando has conquered the equivalent of Mount Everest to raise funds for a charity set up in memory of his mum.

Oliver Gregory, from Hutton, completed the APEX Everest Challenge to raise more than £2,760 for Preston-based charity The Orange Foundation, which provides practical support for people living with cancer and was established in 2023 in memory of Emma Aindow-Gregory.

The 27-year-old scaled the Lake District’s Helvellyn Mountain nine times in 41 hours and 30 minutes, covering 108 km (67.5 miles) and an elevation of 8.8km (5.5 miles), the equivalent of climbing Everest.

Oliver was one of only 21 competitors to complete the full course. The funds raised will be used by The Orange Foundation to help patients and their families navigate life whilst living with cancer. 

The money raised has already been used to help eight people with Lymphoedema treatment and three people with cosmetic support to manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment. 

Although no stranger to physical challenges as a serving Royal Marine, this endeavour was a very personal challenge because as well as raising money for The Orange Foundation, it was also Oliver’s tribute to his mum as he was literally following in her footsteps.

Emma, who was an endurance athlete, considered Helvellyn to be her favourite Lake District Mountain and climbed it when completing the Bob Graham Round in May 2010. The mum of three lived with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer for four and a half years before passing away in December 2022 aged 49. 

APEX Everest nominated The Orange Foundation as its charity partner for its 2025 event. Adam Clayton, managing director of APEX Everest Ltd, said: “Oliver’s achievement at APEX Everest is nothing short of incredible. What he’s accomplished represents everything APEX stands for, resilience, purpose, and community. 

“To see him take on such a demanding challenge and turn it into something that raises awareness and funds for The Orange Foundation is truly inspiring. We’re proud to have shared the mountain with him and can’t wait to see what he conquers next.”

Oliver quote: “I’m so grateful to everyone that has made a donation. All the money raised is already having an impact and helping people living with the disease, and that’s what mum would have wanted.”