Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield

Ulysses Trust Background

The Ulysses Trust was borne out of a ground-breaking attempt in 1992 by the Territorial Army to achieve the first British winter ascent of Mt Everest (Project DARC STAR), led by Lt Col Philip Neame whilst commanding 10 PARA. A number of organizations who were approached for financial support proffered the view that the project was too fraught with risk for commercial sponsorship, but that they would be prepared to contribute funds through charitable donations. Philip took the hint, and the Ulysses Trust was formed, taking its name from Tennyson’s inspiring poem about the great ancient Greek warrior and adventurer. HRH the Prince of Wales, already a Patron of the expedition, agreed to become the Trust’s Patron. The thought was always that Project DARC STAR (with the Team by then drawn from reservists of all 3 services) might attract enough interest to create a surplus that could then be ploughed back into supporting future projects by reservists. This aspiration was realized, firstly, by a £200,000 donation from Robert Fleming – the Merchant Bank now part of JP Morgan – generously and adroitly arranged by Ian Hannam who became a Trustee and long-term supporter; and, secondly, by the agreement of Col David Mallam to become the Trust’s first honorary secretary and fund-raiser, steering the Trust through its challenging early years. Since its inception, now almost 20 years ago, the Trust has provided over £1.5 million funding support to over 20,000 reservists and cadets variously participating in over 1,500 expeditions at worldwide locations. The Trust’s income comes from a variety of sources, and fund-raising remains an essential component of the Trust’s activities.	Advance Base Camp before the storm
	PN and Sherpa sirdar planning logistics at ABC
	Postcard for 1st day Covers