Tom really on top of the world

11:37am Monday 25th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Tom Mpande was literally on top of the world when he found out his GCSE results – in the foothills of Mount Everest.

Tom, of Strensall, was one of 17 GCSE and A-level students who learned how they had fared via satellite while many thousands of feet up the highest mountain in the world.

Since last November, Army and Air cadets from Yorkshire and Humberside have been training for the expedition, which they began on August 1.

Tom, a pupil at Archbishop Holgate’s CE School, heard of his ten GCSEs with six As on Kala Patthar, a peak overlooking Everest base camp and at a height of 5,604 metres. Last week another York student on the expedition; Alex Nottage, a student at Easingwold Comprehensive School, was informed of his A- Levels while at Namche Bazaar, at a height of 3,340 metres.

Delivering the exam news to the cadet force on Everest was quite a process, one which was managed by Colonel David Fuller.

Proud parents collected their children’s results from their respective schools, sending them, along with their loving messages to Col Fuller.

He then spoke to the cadets and sent emails confirming their results for the group to read if and when they reach settlements with internet links.

“It was something I felt we should have a go at – getting the results there the same day. I’m delighted at what they have achieved so far and the effort they’ve made to get there,” said Col Fuller.