Queen's message to Everest soldiers 04.04.12
8The Queen has sent a message of support to a group of injured servicemen attempting to climb Mount Everest.
Martin Hewitt, Jaco Van Gass, Karl Hinett, David Wiseman and Francis Atkinson will all be attempting to summit the world's highest mountain in late May. They make up the team of current and former soldiers who suffered injuries while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The team aims to reach the 8,848m summit in May for the Walking With The Wounded charity and are five days into a 10-day trek to Everest Base Camp at 5,267m.
The Queen's letter to the five men reads: "Please accept my heartfelt good wishes to all members of the Walking With The Wounded team attempting to climb Mount Everest in May of this year.
"I am sure that this expedition will prove to be a remarkable experience for all those involved and I wish you every success." It was signed Elizabeth R.
The Queen's grandson, Prince Harry, is patron of the charity, and last year he joined an expedition for the first four days of a successful trip to the North Pole.
Everest expedition manager and North Pole veteran Martin Hewitt was shot twice through his right shoulder in Afghanistan in 2007, which paralysed his arm.
The 31-year-old former captain in the Parachute Regiment said: "I'm humbled and feel very privileged to know that Her Majesty has written to us. It means a great deal on a personal level and for the charity."
Timeline
9 April-----Summit team arrives at Everest Base Camp
16 April-----Team summits Lobuche
24 April-----Team takes first steps on Everest
28 April-----Glenfiddich Pioneers Depart for Nepal
10 May-----Glenfiddich Whisky Nosing at Everest Base Camp
13-18 May-----First weather window and possible summit attempt
22-27 May-----Likely weather window and summit attempt
3 June-----Team arrives in UK
4 June-----Team summit Snowdon for Queen's Diamond Jubilee