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“Climb to End Family Violence” Proceeding Well

May 4, 2016 | 2:00 PM

LETHBRIDGE –  A local realtor and philanthropist is about half way through the most dangerous climb of his life.

Trevor Stuart has already completed climbs in Bolivia and Argentina, as part of his “Climb to End Family Violence” initiative.

He left Lethbridge on March 29 to tackle his final climb of Mount Everest.

As of May 3, Stuart has made it to 6700m (21,980 ft) elevation and raised $26,763 for the YWCA Harbour House. He’s almost exceeded his previously highest climb, which was at Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina, of 6962m (22,841 ft).

“Growing up in a home where there was a lot of domestic violence, it made me realize that there are so many more people out there that grew up just like I did that are still trapped in it,” noted Stuart.

“Nineteen people last year died on Everest, and 43 women in Alberta have already died last year from domestic violence. I think it’s harder to live in domestic violence than it is to climb Everest.”

He’s making sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid any harmful mistakes, saying he completed months of climbing and altitude training leading up to his last two climbs.

Stuart added that he’s also taken extra oxygen so he can stay as long as necessary.

“Summiting is not mandatory. Getting down and getting home is. I’m going to climb smart, and be able to get back to Lethbridge and tell stories. We’ve got no return flight ticket booked, so I have no pressures to make it down to get my flight. I’m taking all the steps that I can carefully, so if we run into trouble up there we can wait it out. Just trying to take it one step at a time.”

Trevor is continually updating his Twitter page (@TrevStuart), and you can also follow his blog for more detailed updates.

Donations are still being accepted on his website, as well.