Return to Everest 2022 – Les Binns
Posted on 17 January 2022
Pacy & Wheatley are proud to announce that we will be supporting one of our very own, Les Binns, as he once again takes on the challenge of Mount Everest. This is a deeply personal and ongoing quest to raise money for BLESMA, a charity helping limbless service and ex-service men and women, and we are more than happy to sponsor Les's journey to the top.
Les is an injured veteran with six operational tours, including Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, under his belt. During his time in service, he acclaimed a range of awards, from The Queens Commendation for Bravery to Chief of Joint Operations Commendations and The Royal Humane Society's Silver Life Saving Medal.
Whilst patrolling in Afghanistan, Les was blinded after a fellow Afghan Warrior stepped on and stimulated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED); but, with the incredible help of staff at Camp Bastion and Birmingham Hospital, Binns regained sight in one eye. Following this, he left the army and his military career in 2009; later being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Presently, Les works within our interiors division and equally devotes his time across home life, jobs and charity work, striving to help as many people as possible. His latest 2 month expedition will begin during climbing season in April/May 2022.
Les has attempted Mount Everest twice prior to this voyage. He self-funded his first ascent but forfeited to save the life of fellow climber, Sunita, who had her oxygen tank stolen upon her descent. He received an award for his bravery, being noted that Sunita would not have survived without his assistance. Find out more about Les' 2016 endeavour here.
Les is openly transparent with his life, choosing to be vulnerable about his struggles with PTSD, his physical injuries, the road to climbing the world's highest mountain, and raising tens of thousands of pounds for veteran charities. His exploits as a soldier and High Altitude Mountaineer are a source of inspiration and motivation for people across the globe.
'The only way I can achieve my goal is with the generosity of family, friends and supporters. I already owe so much to so many people and for that I will always be very grateful.'
Together we can help Les reach his dream, raise money for a well deserved charity, and get the Pacy & Wheatley flag (quite almost) on top of the world!
Please spare a few minutes to read Les' story and visit his funding page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/BLESMA-return-to-everest-2022
Following his ascent, Les will be joining us at the next corporate event to share his experience.