Cayman lawyer aims for top of the world

(CNS): A local lawyer will attempt to fly the Cayman flag atop Mount Everest in May as part of his Seven Summits Challenge, a mission to scale the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents in aid of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society (CICS). Guy Manning, a partner at the Cayman-based firm Campbells, will be swapping his wig and gown for goggles and a parka for the fifth peak in the challenge. The tallest mountain in the world at 29,029 feet, Everest is on the border of Nepal and Tibet in the Himalayas in Asia and remains one of the most challenging peaks for any climber. Manning has already scaled Kilimanjaro in Africa at 19,340ft, while in Antarctica he climbed Vinson at a chilly 16,067ft.

In Europe he tackled Mount Elbrus in Russia, which stands at 18,510ft, and in Argentina, South America, he climbed to the top of Aconcagua at 22,830ft.

Manning says he will follow a successful Everest ascent with Australasia's highest peak, Carstensz Pyramid at 16,023ft, in 2014, and finally the mountain the peak that has eluded him, North America’s Denali at 20,320ft. He has already made two attempts to scale the mountain situated in Alaska and also known as Mount McKinley.

In 2009 he was hit by a storm shortly below the summit and forced to turn back due to frostbite, and when he returned in 2012 his team was pinned down by a storm for 10 days at 14,000 ft. When their food and fuel ran out, he had no choice but to descend. Tragically, four climbers from another team descending ahead of Manning and his group lost their lives in an avalanche.

Mountain climbing is no picnic and most who attempt to tackle the world’s highest peaks are well aware of the dangers associated with the sport but more often than not for most climbers the drive to reach the top is far stronger thanthe fears they may have of what might happen. Manning, like others in his chosen field trains hard every week to stay fit enough to endure the hardships presented by his hobby.

However, it’s not easy training for mountain climbing in one of the world’s flattest countries and where the highest peak is made out of trash. Nevertheless, short of climbing Mount Trashmore, Manning says he works hard with his trainers with a combination of endurance and high intensity cardio, such as running, cycling and rowing, as well gym-based strength work and more specific training designed to replicate what he’ll be doing on Everest, such as climbing the Camana Bay tower with a 70lb weighted pack. 

Manning’s Seven Summit challenge is not only about achieving an incredible feat of endurance but also raising funds for a much-needed chemotherapy unit and for 56 local cancer patients currently on the Cayman Islands Financial Aid programme.

"Every dollar donated goes directly to our local cancer fight," said Manning, who is paying for the cost of the seven expeditions himself and is asking the local community to chip in whatever they can afford to help the CICS.

"There are 56 courageous women and men currently struggling with both cancer and their expensive medical bills here in Cayman and they need our help. As inspiration, Guy plans to take a coded list of the 56 cancer patients currently supported by the CISC to the summit. “It will certainly inspire me, and will hopefully, in some small way, also inspire them,” he added.

Manning explained that this mission is a personal one: "My mother had cancer so I understand something about the struggles and challenges of this disease. I want to climb Everest, but at the end of the day, I want my efforts to stand for something bigger.”

CICS Operations Manager Jennifer Weber said Manning’s climb is a unique individual challenge, which is not unlike the individual challenge patients face as they battle through cancer.

“It’s very touching to know that our patients inspire him and we hope they continue to inspire him once he begins his ascent. He already inspires all of them and we’re truly grateful to him for bringing attention to this important cause. We hope the Cayman community will support what he is doing," she said.

Several corporate sponsors have stepped forward, including KRyS-Global Managing Partner Ken Krys, who is himself no stranger to endurance sports as a well-known local ultra-marathon runner.

“We’re delighted to give Guy’s Seven Summit expedition our full support,” he said. “Raising money for the Cayman Islands Cancer Society while reaching for the top through personal dedication embodies the KRyS Global vision. We wish him the greatest success in this lofty endeavour.”

Other sponsors include Exclusive Platinum Sponsor Campbells as well as Baraud, BDO, Cooper Gay, Dart, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, KPMG, Netclues, PwC, Ricoh and Zolfo Cooper.

“I’m very grateful to all of our corporate sponsors,” said Manning. “But I want to encourage the Cayman community to contribute what they can, as the CICS needs our support and this cannot be achieved without the generosity of the people in our community.”

All donations are welcome, large or small, and you can learn more by visiting www.sevensummits.ky.