Mail by Runner 137: Mitchell's Mission for Thame

“They lost so much in the flood, and they should be able to go to school and be with their families, just like I can.”

- Mitchell MacLachlan, age 11

Last November, Mitchell visited Khumjung School. While he was there, he learned that many of the students had been relocated from Thame, a nearby village devastated by a glacial flood. Their school was gone. Their families were rebuilding. And the children were far from home.

That short visit left a big mark.

Mitchell set himself a challenge

To raise funds for the rebuild of Thame School, he set out to climb Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the tallest mountain outside New Zealand’s Southern Alps and a peak famously used by Sir Ed as a training ground for Everest.

With his dad acting as “Sherpa,” and his mum helping guide logistics, Mitchell reached the summit last weekend.

“Climbing Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku will be a big challenge for me and something I can do to raise money for the kids in Thame.”

He also organised a community Rogaine event in Nelson, bringing over 100 people together to support his cause.

So far, he’s raised over $7,300

And every dollar will go toward helping children in Thame return home, and return to school.

Read Mitchell’s story in his own words:

fundraise.himalayantrust.org/mitchell-maclachlan

Or read the full Stuff feature:

Boy climbs mountain Sir Ed trained on to help rebuild Himalayan School

Mitch, we’re so proud of you. You’re walking in great footsteps, and carving out your own legacy along the way.