The man.

What can I say? You can attempt to prepare yourself for an interview by researching your candidate; and even though I have chatted with Pete on a number of occasions, I was completely unprepared for the level of personal insight and passion for life that Pete Wells revealed to the M&BM crew over a coffee early on a Tuesday morning.

The incredible extent of opportunities that have been self-created in his life, make you stop and wonder, ‘how does he even have time for a day-job?’. But, not only does Pete hold down a day-job, he also works for Channel Seven on Sydney Weekender (travelling around New South Wales to film adventure style clips), he is a volunteer surf-lifesaver, keen kayaker, passionate surfer, and ‘peak-driven’ mountain climber.

The mountain.

It is Pete Wells’ current adventure that interests us the most – he and two like-minded friends, are training for the goal of a lifetime – to successfully climb to the peak of Mount Everest.

Long revered as the ultimate achievement, Everest poses the biggest challenge to amateur and professional climbers alike. It is not only a test of physical strength, but of emotional and psychological strength too. “You have to reach in and grab something when you feel like you’ve got (nothing) left at all”.

The expedition.

Everest 2010, is the campaign Pete Wells and fellow Australians Stephen Bock, and Darren Robertson, will make to Everest, to be led by world-renowned South African expedition leader Ronnie Muhl. Their goal is not only to successfully summit the mountain, but they want to reveal it to the world for the first time via web-cam.

The charity.

Most admirably, however, they are using this opportunity to raise awareness and much needed funds to support Bowel Cancer Australia, a leading national charity who’s mission it is to decrease the impact of this common disease, through medical research, education and patient support. 

Their goal is to reach $200K before they leave in March 2010, when they begin their arduous trek to the peak of the mountain, and all luck rests on the weather conditions, as to whether they get the opportunity to fulfil their dream. You can track their progress and make a donation at www.everest2010.com.au 

Check your inbox next fortnight for part 2 of Know Who You Are with Pete Wells, and find out more about how he prepares himself for the challenge of a lifetime, and how you too can join him on it.
 

click here to read part 2...
click here to see the interview teaser...