Causes and Challenges Supported
While the foundation’s grants were open to a wide range of talents and goals, several standout examples demonstrate the kinds of extraordinary pursuits it helped bring to life.
Leslie Binns Everest Climb
One of the most notable early beneficiaries was ex-serviceman Leslie Binns, who was sponsored by Everest in his second attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest, following his heroic decision to abandon his first attempt just 500 metres from the top in order to save two other climbers who were in danger. His story embodied exactly what the foundation aimed to champion: bravery, ambition, resilience, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/property/home-improvement-tips/everest-mountaineer-saved-a-life/
Oxford University Greenland Expedition
The foundation also supported students from Oxford University to study the geology of Igaliku South Greenland – a world heritage Geopark who’s geological makeup had been left surprisingly un explored for sixty years with the all female team using the trip as an opportunity to inspire more young women into the field of Earth Sciences.
Ashby Mayes professional Basoonist
Another beneficiary of the Lewis Golden foundation was bassoonist Ashby Mayes who was searching for a golden standard and rare Heckel Bassoon to support his talent and career in music. At the age of 19 Ashby had already opened the 2012 olympics and was the first bassoonist leader of the National Youth Wind Orchestra but needed the right instrument to take his career to the next level. Heckel bassoons are known for their exceptional warm tone and superior flexible projection and Everest helped towards funding the instrument, supporting Ashby to achieve new levels in his career in music.
A Legacy That Lives On
Although the foundation has since closed, the Lewis Golden Foundation remains an important part of the Everest brand’s history. Designed to help people push boundaries and pursue their greatest ambitions, the foundation and the people it helped stands as a testament to Lewis Golden’s vision of supporting others to reach their potential.