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Couple conquer Everest trek for air ambulance

Andrew BartonYorkshire
News imageGNAAS The photo shows two people standing on a large boulder in a high‑altitude mountain landscape, surrounded by snow‑covered peaks under a blue sky. They are holding a black banner that reads “Donald Malcolm Foundation – Everest Charity Trek 2025” along with additional text and logos.GNAAS
Jonathon and Janet Goodman spent two years preparing for the climb by tackling tougher routes and higher elevations

A couple from North Yorkshire have walked to the base of the world's highest mountain to raise thousands of pounds for their local air ambulance service.

Janet and Jonathon Goodman, from Northallerton, spent eight days trekking to the 5,364m (17,598ft) high Mount Everest Base Camp.

The pair, aged 58 and 54 respectively, spent two years training for the challenge, which saw them raise £3,225 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Following their successful endeavour, Janet said: "We were overwhelmed with joy, we were all crying."

The couple, who regularly enjoy trekking on the weekends, said they chose to support the GNAAS because of the "vital role the service plays in helping critically ill or injured people".

News imageGNAAS The photo shows a group of five people standing together outdoors in front of a bright yellow emergency response vehicle marked with Great North Air Ambulance Service branding. Three of them are wearing red air ambulance crew uniforms, while the two individuals in the middle are dressed in outdoor civilian clothing. The group is holding an oversized presentation cheque made out to the Great North Air Ambulance Service.GNAAS
The Goodmans presented the Great North Air Ambulance Service with a cheque for £3,225

Prior to their first major expedition they took on a number of hikes up peaks which gradually increased in height, to build the "strength and resilience" needed for the Himalayas.

Janet said: "Trekking to Everest Base Camp had been on our bucket list for a while, and it's one of many treks we hope to complete."

The Goodmans, who work for a logistics company, self-funded the whole journey.

Janet said: "Given the job that we do and our hobby, we may one day need the service, but hopefully not."

News imageGNAAS This photo shows two hikers standing on a rocky mountain trail surrounded by evergreen forest. They’re wearing outdoor trekking gear - one in a bright red jacket and the other in a blue jacket - with backpacks and hiking poles. Behind them, snow‑covered peaks rise into a partly cloudy sky.GNAAS
The couple said they were already planning a new challenge and aimed to continue fundraising for the air ambulance

Despite the trail being "quite demanding" at times, Janet said: "Our morale was high and we had a good team supporting each other, even on the long, hard days."

After successfully reaching the base of Everest, the couple said they were "overcome with emotion" at the milestone they had achieved.

Once they returned to the UK they visited GNAAS' base near Eaglescliffe and presented the charity's critical care team with a cheque for £3,225.88.

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