India Forgrave

November 12 2025

From Daily Walks to Tackling Mount Everest: Kathleen's Journey to a Healthier Lifestyle

Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, rises majestically above sea level at over 29,000 feet, drawing adventurers from every corner of the globe. For many, it represents the ultimate test of endurance and spirit. With temperatures plunging below –60°C and fierce winds reaching over 200 mph near the summit, the journey is as brutal as it is breathtaking. Yet, for those who dare, it offers something far deeper than a physical challenge.

One of those brave souls is Kathleen, our Senior Admissions Officer at UKMC. Her journey to Everest Base Camp wasn’t just about conquering a mountain; it was about conquering herself. Each step on that icy path reflected the strength, resilience, and determination that carried her not only up the Himalayas but through her own personal journey of growth and discovery.

Why take on this challenge?

“I didn’t have the healthiest habits growing up,” Kathleen admitted with a smile. “Up until I was 28, I lived a very unhealthy life.”

Everything started to change after she moved to New Zealand. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, she felt a pull to explore the outdoors. Hiking, however, wasn’t as easy as it looked. “I always loved being in nature but didn’t have the strength or stamina. There were times I just wanted to turn back,” she recalled. What kept her going were the kind gestures of strangers on the trail. “During my solo hikes, there were always friendly faces who offered me snacks or cheered me on. It made such a difference.”

Encouraged by those experiences, Kathleen decided to push herself further and set out to climb two of the four Sacred Mountains in China. But things didn’t go quite as planned. “After one look at the mountain, I ended up taking the cable car halfway up,” she confessed, laughing. “The view was incredible, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d cheated myself.” From that moment, she made a promise to never take shortcuts again and to face every challenge head-on.

Then came Covid-19. Locked down in her apartment in China for nearly four months, Kathleen found herself completely isolated. “I was eating too much sugar and barely exercising,” she shared. But when restrictions finally lifted, she saw it as her chance to start over. What began as a simple goal to lose weight soon turned into a journey of self-discovery. She started dancing with locals in the park, experimenting with new fitness classes like Muay Thai and calisthenics, and slowly built a new rhythm for herself.

Over the past two years, Kathleen has achieved some truly incredible milestones. She climbed the Three Peaks of the UK, including Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, and earlier this year she completed her first 10km run followed by two half marathons.

Her journey reached its highest point, both literally and emotionally, when she finally made it to Everest Base Camp. It was more than just a hike; it was a symbol of how far she had come, in both strength and spirit.

What was it like to hike Mount Everest?

Over two weeks, Kathleen hiked the base camp of Mount Everest on her own, with the help of a local tour guide. Hiking up to eight hours a day, camping overnight and navigating the new terrain was a challenging task. “It was tough” Kathleen shared. “I suffered altitude sickness twice along the way”, a common condition faced by explorers of the route. Nonetheless, she persisted with minimal phone signal, little to no contact with the outside world, and a completely new routine. By the end of the adventure, Kathleen had reached up to 18,519 feet- experiencing panoramic views of Everest at Kala Patthar. “The views were definitely worth the challenge”, Kathleen reflected. But perhaps more impressive was the journey from struggling with exercise to enjoying the achievements of hard work and self-improvement.

How has exercise changed your life?

“Exercise has changed my life in many ways” Kathleen shared. “It's not just about looking better; it’s about feeling better and being able to experience new things.” By embracing the initial challenge of exercising more regularly and making healthier choices, Kathleen has been able to explore new places across the world and gain a sense of achievement. “It’s the classic saying of life is too short”, Kathleen said. “The world is a beautiful place with a lot of things to see, learn about and experiences to have.” In telling the story, she urges people to take the opportunity to challenge themselves and carry an achievement they can remember with admiration.

Why These Stories Matters

At UKMC, we believe that every great journey begins with a single step. Kathleen’s story is a powerful reminder that perseverance, courage, and self-belief can take you further than you ever imagined. Just as she pushed beyond her limits to reach Everest Base Camp, our students push through challenges every day, balancing studies with work, family, and personal responsibilities while chasing their dreams.

We understand that not every path to success is straightforward. That is why UKMC is dedicated to offering fle xible learning routes, personalised support, and guidance that meets students where they are. Whether you are returning to education, managing a busy schedule, or seeking a career change, our team is here to help you climb your own Everest.

Every class, every late-night study session, and every small victory adds up to something extraordinary. At UKMC, we are proud to be part of that journey, empowering students to keep moving forward one step at a time.

Take your first step toward your UKMC journey today.