A British fundraiser known for tackling extraordinary endurance challenges in little more than a pair of swimming trunks is preparing for one of his toughest adventures yet: a trek to Mount Everest base camp in Nepal.
Himalayas, Mt. Everest Trek, Khumbu Valley, Nepal/By: John Harper/Getty Images
Michael Cullen, better known as Speedo Mick, plans to make the journey in his trademark blue Everton swimming trunks, despite temperatures expected to drop to -10°C.
The 61-year-old from Liverpool has raised more than £1 million through a series of fundraising challenges, using his distinctive outfit to draw attention to causes supporting mental health, disadvantaged young people and people experiencing homelessness.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast ahead of his departure for Nepal on 10 November, Cullen described the Everest trek as his biggest challenge yet. He acknowledged that the cold would be difficult, but said enduring the conditions was part of the challenge.
From Everest to Land’s End
The Nepal expedition is just one part of an ambitious fundraising undertaking that Cullen has dubbed his ‘four peaks challenge’.
After completing the trek to Everest base camp, he plans to travel to Scotland for a 1,000-mile walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End, alongside an attempt to climb Britain’s three highest mountains.
His goal is to raise a further £1 million for charity.
Despite the unusual choice of clothing, Cullen is optimistic about how his outfit will be received in Nepal. He previously completed long-distance fundraising walks, including the journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End, in his Everton trunks.
His efforts have also earned him recognition in his home city, where Liverpool awarded him Citizen of Honour in May.
For Cullen, the Everest trek is about more than reaching one of the world’s most iconic mountain destinations. It is another opportunity to use an extraordinary personal challenge to raise awareness and support for people who need it.
SOURCE: BBC News, Speedo Mick to ‘suffer’ in trunks on -10C Everest trek, 7 November 2026.
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