Russell Brice - Expedition Leader. Knows the hill - been up more times than anyone else.

Lopsang Sherpa - 16 expeditions with Russell, 3 x Everest, 2 Cho Oyo summits.

Phurba Sherpa - 7 expeditions with Russell, 2 x Everest, 2 Cho Oyo summits, doubles as lama at the Puja ceremony.

Lachhu - best cook in the business; uniquely experienced at ABCs of all 14 8,000m peaks, 14 expeditions with Russell, just made pizza for camp one.

Kasang - Tibetan yak man by background; trained by Russell, with ascents of Cho Oyo & Quomolongma (as he calls it). Has his eye on Shishapangma..

Graham Blackmun - Computer Analyst from Slough, Berskhire. Married to Barbara (23 years) with two daughters (Amanda, 19 & Christine, 14). Climbed all over the world, notably first British ascent of Mt Sanford, Alaska; highest point to date is Muztag Ata, W China (7546m)..

Yamada Atsushi - Student at Tokyo University. Belongs to Ski & Alpine Club. Climbed 6 of the 7 Continental Summits. The missing one he hopes to achieve next spring, just along the ridge to the east from Cho Oyo.

Simon Fitzpatrick - Climbed many mountains in his native UK, plus visits to the Alps, Caucasus (Mt Elbrus), Tien Shan (Chapayev on Khan Tengri), Himalaya (Mera & Island Peaks). Runs leadership development programmes globally for major multi-national. Married to Sarah; they live in London.