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The climb of their lives for charity

THEY are six men having a midlife crisis, but instead of buying a flash sports car, these friends are trekking one of the highest mountains in the world. And instead of being annoyed at the trip, Tracy Richardson and Nikki Mercer are behind their husbands - both named Nick - who are raising money for the McGrath Foundation.

The women, from Clovelly, both diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, have inspired their husbands. Half the 45-plus group of Sydney businessmen are either scared of heights or have never climbed higher than Crackenback chair lift in Tasmania. Yet they are about to find out what life is like 6100in high, standing on top of the Himalayas' Dzo Jongo. "We came up with the idea to go overseas in February but not for fundraising," Mr Richardson, 46, said. "Then people kept asking us what charity we were raising funds for, so we decided on the McGrath Foundation in June, when Jane died, because two of our wives had breast cancer."

The men, who are more familiar with Tasmania, will need to acclimatise themselves to the treacherous Himalayan conditions. On August 22, the group including Malcolm Patch, 53, Nick Cleaver, 49, Michael Harden, 49, and Greg Crowley, 48, head off for the climb of their lives. Their midlife challenge is hoping to raise $50,000. "We are all 45-plus and we feel a responsibility to get fit as much as possible so we don't drag the chain," Mr Richardson said. But you can't really train for this other than prepare yourself for acclimatisation. If you are going to fall, you will have an unfortunate trip." Find out more on www.midlifechallenge.com.au.

Date:

22 Aug 2008 - 01 Sep 2008

Venue:

International -

Address:

International,

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