Liverpool fundraiser Michael Cullen, widely known as Speedo Mick, is preparing for his toughest physical test yet by taking on a trek to Mount Everest base camp dressed in his signature swimming trunks.
Temperatures dropping to -10C (14F) await the 61-year-old Everton fan during the expedition in Nepal later this month, marking his newest fundraising push after previously collecting more than £1m through various athletic challenges in his skimpy outfit. He is scheduled to fly to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu on November 10.
Speedo Mick Takes on Everest Base Camp
Reflecting on the freezing conditions ahead, Cullen told BBC Breakfast:
I am going to do Everest in my knickers. I do understand the risks – I always do. It will be a challenge to stay in my Speedos.
Speedo Mick
While acknowledging the extreme climate, Cullen admitted that he definitely feels the cold and will suffer but that is the challenge
as part of what he calls his four peaks challenge.
Fundraiser Targets Further £1m Total
Asked about how locals might respond to his unconventional attire in the Himalayas, Cullen expressed optimism, noting Well, I reckon they’ll be cool.
He added that after walking to France—where people were accepting of his outfit—he has a positive feeling about the reception in Nepal.
More than £1m has already been raised for charities supporting homelessness, mental health, and disadvantaged youth by Cullen, contributing to more than 120 organizations overall, and he was honored as a Citizen of Honour in Liverpool in May.
Once his Himalayan expedition concludes, the fundraiser plans to travel straight to Scotland to complete a 1,000-mile walk stretching from John O’Groats to Land’s End, alongside climbing Britain’s three highest mountains to raise a further £1m.
