The Everest Test 2009 Fundraising Party

Quite simply, superb. That's the only way to describe the Everest Test fundraising party held last night at The Collection in South Kensington. Organised by the intrepid Trektators, the party was our first chance to invite supporters and friends to what we hoped would be a showcase event for our sponsorship campaign. (For those of you new to the Everest Test challenge, the Trektators are the invaluable travelling support crew making the trip up the mountain.) I arrived with friends, who were expecting to have a couple of mid-week drinks before heading home. Down the hallway and into the club for the champagne reception, we stopped. "Wow", said one. "This looks - amazing", said another. And it did. The Collection had been transformed by the collective interior-design skills of the Trektators. From the photographs of team members in training that lined the entrance hall, to the Everest slideshow turning over in the background, to the funky decorations draped between glamorous barstaff who were decked out in the test team colours, not to mention the glamorous guests, this looked more like the launch party for a Bond movie.

By 8pm the club was already packed. Getting from one side of the bar to the other was a challenge, and mingling required a skillful shuffling technique. The Collection barstaff stepped up to the challenge, and somehow managed to ensure that drinks circulated the room. Haydn also managed to circulate, taking the fundraising to new heights by selling the official balloons. Kirt and Wes leaned against the bar with a look of pride. This was intended to be the spearhead of the Everest Test 2009 fundraising campaign, and it was going off with a bang.

Even the music was great: Susie Clarks acoustic set and Bongo Beats from Brazil provided the perfect backdrop for the night. No-one danced, simply because there wasn't any room. The dancefloor had been overrun by a swirling crowd of supporters and Test team members, enjoying the champagne and cocktails that flowed courtesy of the ever-smiling Collection team. The night flew by, and it was only South Kent's licensing laws that finally called a close on the night's entertainment. If they hadn't, then we would still be going.

I've had a number of messages already about last night. "10/10" and "awesome" give you the idea.

So it's a huge thanks to Alex and her team for organising a wonderful night. They will be justifiably delighted with the outcome. It's also a huge thanks to all of those who came along in support. There will be more of these events to come: so please stay tuned in and wait for details! Your ongoing support means a tremendous amount to us, and last night gave a massive lift to the Everest Test teams. Everyone who attended came away inspired and re-invigorated for the long months of slog ahead. It was a great party and a chance to relax, but no-one is kidding themselves about the hard work that lies ahead. Six months to go, and counting, with everything still to play for. Currahee.