The University of Nottingham

She climbed for life and reached the foot of the greatest mountain on the planet.

Trained pharmacist Dr Kang-Nee Ting (BPharm 1995, PhD Biomedical Sciences 1999, PGCHE 2009) overcame altitude sickness, lack of sleep, breathlessness and countless blisters to reach Mount Everest’s southern face base camp (EBC) in aid of cancer charities.

“I loved every bit of the experience,” said the Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.

“The whole journey took 12 days including two days of acclimatisation and one day of rest. We hiked more than 5000m in elevation and walked more than 100km of different terrains ranging from dusty path to muddy and rocky trail. On average we trekked six to seven hours a day and the longest days were on days of descent where we walked up to 10 hours. Blisters started to develop and every step became painful.”

She raised RM17,000 which will go to National Cancer Society of Malaysia and the Penang Hospice. But Kang-Nee also raised valuable funds from a stand at the Student Associate Circle at UNMC with the help of the Alumni Relations Office and student volunteers. This raised funds for the Climb for Life and for the family of UNMC graduate Dominic Lee (MEng Chemical Engineering 2012) who sadly died of cancer the day before.

In preparation for her trek she had completed a feat of 10,000 steps at Batu Caves (equivalent to 18.5 times up to the temple and down) with a team mate. Kang-Nee is well known to colleagues and Pharmacy alumni for her extensive charity work. She was motivated this time by the cancer diagnosis of a close friend whose workplace does not provide medical cover and she is keen to raise awareness of cancer.

“The whole journey was eventful as members of my team fell ill with AMS and food poisoning. All eight members of my team reached Everest BC but only three of us reached Kala Pattha and when we got there the view of Mt Everest was awesome.”

Kang-Nee wants to thank all the alumni and University staff and students who have generously supported her cause. If you want to support her you can donate via https://epay.nottingham.edu.my/