By Mark McConville
A GROUP of real-life British superheroes have raised nearly £30K or enough money to build 17 homes in Nepal after trekking to Mount Everest base camp.
Amusing video footage and pictures show the group celebrating reaching the vase camp, an altitude of 17,598 feet, by dancing in superhero costumes including Superman, Batman and Robin.
Other images show the group on their expedition, with video updates provided along the way.
The team also provided some images of the temporary shelters people have been living in, in Nepal, since an earthquake struck in 2015 and some of the families they are helping.
The 2015 earthquake in Nepal resulted in the deaths of 8,964 people while 21,952 more were injured and 3.5million made homeless.
“I feel very fortunate that we live in a country that does not have earthquakes,” said one of the group, Sean Newman.
“We often take simple things for granted like having running water, a roof over our heads and food on the table.
“There is a remote village in Nepal, six hours from the capital Kathmandu, called Thangpalkot1. Most of the village was destroyed, 86 homes in total.
“With the help of Fine & Country, Campbells Foundation, friends and colleagues we plan to rebuild the whole village one home at a time.
“It would be almost impossible for a family to save the money to build a home; it would literally take a lifetime. For us the cost of building a home is relatively cheap, just £1,600.”
The team have raised £29,292 so far, beating their target of £27,200 which would build 17 homes in the village.
The team is comprised of Sean Newman and Clint Nykamp from Fine and Country who have teamed up with Paul Campbell from Campbell’s Estate Agents. Their friends and colleagues Simon Hawkesley, Pepe Kenth, Mark Tobin and Dean Thorncroft make up the rest of the team.
“My aim is to share the story of this remote village and give people an opportunity to help,” added Sean.
“Between us we have the ability to change lives, rebuild homes and rebuild a community. Every penny raised goes directly to buying materials to build these homes.
“There are no builders, middle men, charity administration costs etc. I have paid for my own expenses and I will be visiting the village after our Everest challenge to see how the money is being spent, to check on progress and to meet some of the families being helped.
“So far with the support of Fine & Country Foundation, Campbells Estate Agency and other generous donations we have built 26 homes, so just 60 more to build.
“With the money raised from the Everest Base Camp challenge we hope to help 16 more families, taking the total to 42 homes built.”
For more information or to donate see https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/teamthangpalkot
