On top of the world

One of the UK’s most well known hoteliers, Starboard Hotels founder and managing director Paul Callingham, is on top of the world right now - after completing a gruelling trek up Mount Everest.

The 65 year old owner and operator of 21 hotels across the UK, including branded properties under IHG, Hampton by Hilton, Best Western and Accor, has just returned to Starboard’s base in Beaconsfield after completing the epic journey, raising thousands for charity.

Sprightly Paul, joined a team of ten on an 18-day trek to Everest Base Camp and along three high passes in the Himalayas, climbing to over 18.000ft.

Paul is using this once-in-a-lifetime challenge to raise money for Cameron’s Companions, a charity dedicated to helping young people, who are struggling with their mental health.

He said: “Rather than doing this just for the challenge, I decided to use the opportunity to raise funds for a well deserved cause and to help young people in need.

“We lose too many youngsters who take their own lives when sometimes, all they need is to talk to the right person and be listened to.

“Cameron’s Companions are dedicated to providing a helpful ‘listening ear’ for young people who want to get help but don’t know where to turn.”

Speaking about his incredible journey Paul said: “It was simply the most amazing journey ever. More challenging than I had imagined and the descent was particularly tough.

“I last ran a marathon for charity at 50 so thought I should really push myself to the limit and trek to Everest Base Camp, testing my fitness and resolve.

“Throughout the trip, I was focusing not only on the challenge to reach base camp but on the charity and what it means for young people who very often fight their own secret battle with mental health.

“The scenery was spectacular, the camaraderie wonderful and I am aiming to reach the £30,000 target thanks to the generosity of my colleagues in the hospitality business world, family and friends.

Paul has already raised more than £24,000, but would love to add to that impressive sum to reach their goal of £30,000.