Everest via Singapore

Grant Rawlinson is by no means a tall man, but despite his diminutive stature, his ambition measures amongst giants.

I’ve known Grant, a New Zealander who has lived in Singapore for the last 13 years, since 2003. An intense competitor, with a wry sense of humour and a love of the outdoors, his frequent witticisms and antics are often accompanied by a glint in his eye. I know now that the glint in Grant’s eye happens to be Mount Everest.

In April 2011, after a decade of dreaming and more than two years of preparation, Grant will attempt to climb Mt Everest along a treacherous route, the Northern ridge.  Almost every year, the highest mountain in the world claims the lives of climbers. The peril of the ascent is underscored by the appropriately termed “death zone” (the area above 8000m where there is so little oxygen the human body cannot survive) where rescue is virtually impossible and prolonged stays result in the deterioration of body functions, loss of consciousness, and ultimately, death. However, his climb will help to raise money and awareness to create opportunities for underprivileged children in developing countries.

Firstly, why did you choose to come and stay in Singapore?
Grant Rawlinson (GR): I started working here directly from University - it was my first working experience and I fell in love with the place. The combination of great food, interesting working environment, regular travel to exotic destinations, safety and low income tax rates has kept me here for over 12 years.

Is it hard to train and climb, especially in relatively flat-terrained Singapore?
GR: No, it’s not hard to train physically. In fact because of our climate, it is easier than, say, New Zealand to train physically. I can run and climb and do staircase training sessions all year round, every day in Singapore, without having to worry about the weather being too cold or wet or snowing even. Technically it is a little harder as there are no mountains here. I can rock climb here in Bukit Timah but to get any technical mountain experience I need to leave Singapore. (Editor’s note: Grant climbed at the Southern Alps in New Zealand in February as part of his training for Everest.)

How have people reacted when you tell them about your goal?
GR: People react in many different ways. Initially there were very negative reactions from family members. They were worried for my safety. Some of them still refuse to discuss it with me. People who are non-climbers are generally inquisitive and ask lots of random questions which often leave me struggling to give an answer. Being asked WHY I want to do it is one of the hardest one’s to answer. None of the answers I have given feel right to me and I find it difficult to express it correctly in words. We have a saying in climbing that if someone even has to ask you why you want to climb' then they will never understand the answer! Singaporeans seem generally not quite as inquisitive as the expats about the climb. Expats normally are a little more curious and will ask more questions about what and how I am doing.

What does your wife think?
GR: She is very concerned about me going to Everest. Even though I have been climbing since long before I ever met her, the name Everest itself with all its publicity surrounding the frequent tragedies which have occurred there do not help to ease her concerns.  We were only married recently and it really is quite selfish of me to head off to Everest so soon after we wed.

Touch Football World Cup in Japan Singapore and Australian Mixed Touch Teams 2003.
Clifford (fourth from left standing); Grant (second from left kneeling)

What motivates you to climb, and why did you take up climbing in the first place?
GR: My main motivations are being in the outdoors in some of the most beautiful places on earth, and climbing can take me to places where very few people are and in some cases where people have never been. Also the challenges – physically and mentally – and the commitment required. If you are not completely committed to the planning, training and preparation, the climb itself and your climbing partner, then you will fail. And failure in climbing can have fatal consequences. I love the commitment aspect. 

I got into climbing from trekking, after doing 18 to 20 day treks in Nepal and Scotland I wanted more of a challenge. I took a climbing course in Scotland in 1999 and since then have climbed around 35 peaks in five continents around the world. My first climbing experience was to Pakistan with a Singaporean team of mountaineers. It was a disaster! We climbed nothing - we were woefully inexperienced, and rifts developed within 3 to 5 days of the trip. Three of the five climbers left after a few days and leaving just me and the leader together for the rest of the expedition. I still loved being there, and I was determined to continue with my climbing, which I have.

Any funny stories about climbing?
GR: I drank my climbing partner’s urine once - she peed into the cooking pot during the night in a storm in our tent. In the morning I got up to cook breakfast and used her pot... Is that funny?

Tell me about the organisations you are benefiting?
GR: I hope the interest generated from my climb helps raise awareness and will benefit two organisations: the Central Asian Institute (CAI) and HUMANEITY.CAI is an American organisation working in the remotest mountain communities of Pakistan and Afghanistan building schools to educate girls.  HUMANEITY is run by a New Zealander, here in Singapore,and it’s goal is to support the capacity building of other grass roots foundations in the areas of Micro Business and Community Development Programs. Together with HUMANEITY I am attempting to kickstart a program to give some amazing opportunities to underprivileged children.

On behalf of Singapore Kopitiam and our readers, we wish you the best for the climb. More about Grant’s climb and how people can donate to the charities can be found at his blog climbforhope.wordpress.com . Please give him the support and well wishes he deserves!