The Para-Monte charity presented a cheque for £10,000 to the University of Brighton, linked to equipment, research, education and ultimately raising awareness around altitude illness. The donation will be used to, raise awareness and educate schools, colleges and the wider community about the effects of altitude illness, and to fund research into assessing individual response to acute and chronic altitude exposure.
Para-Monte was set up in memory of Adam Savory in 2012. Adam was a fit and healthy 25-year old who lost his life to altitude sickness which developed following a 15-hour bus trip to the city of Cusco in Peru.
Over 50 people attended the event. In addition, BBC South East, the Herald newspaper and the Eastbourne Buzz reported on the occasion through radio, television and online media.
Presentations were delivered by Dr Neil Maxwell and Ash Wilmott. Demonstrations then focused on screening tests in the hypoxic chambers featuring new, donated equipment. Speeches and the cheque presentation followed. Starting Gate provided the hospitality which was funded by the ECHO grant scheme.
Our collaboration with Para-Monte aims to improve prevention of the fatal consequences of altitude illnesses. Building evidence through our research will create new insights which will contribute to the charity’s vision to:
- raise awareness regarding health risks and dangers when travelling at altitude worldwide
- promote and provide education on safe travel and altitude
- promote and support research into the causes of altitude illnesses.
Para-Monte are releasing an altitude awareness app which will be trialled in our laboratories.