Patron

Russell Brice

We are very proud that Russell Brice has accepted the invitation to be the Patron of SmileHigh. Russell Brice is the CEO of Himalayan Experience and Chamonix Experience. Russell is widely known as one of the world’s most professional if not the most professional leader of expeditions to the Himalayas. His curriculum vitae is vast including two successful ascents of Mt Everest, nine ascents of Cho Oyo including the fastest solo ascent without oxygen for which he also holds the record on Ama Dablam. Russell was famously the first person to climb all 30 peaks over 3,000m in New Zealand in one summer season. He has 21 ascents of Mount Cook and 15 ascents of Mount Aspiring. Russell and Harry Taylor were the first people to cross the notorious pinnacles on the north-east ridge of Mt Everest in 1988.

Those that have been on expeditions with Russell come away with the knowledge that he has provided an outstanding level of support and the best possible platform for success. Russell’s dedication to safety and his attention to detail make him a leader in the world of high altitude mountain expedition leadership. Those that have been on an expedition are also in admiration of Russell’s top-class team of Sherpa’s. Russell is known for his Sherpa team and it is widely accepted that they are the leading team operating in the Himalayas. This is a result of the respect and support that Russell shows for his Sherpas. Russell has also promoted outstanding leadership within the team through Purba Tashi and Chhuldim Sherpa.

Russell has been involved with the support of aid projects in Tibet and Nepal for many years. He is a founding member of Friends of Humanity Friends which is a Geneva-based non-profit organization supporting initiatives and projects in five essential areas:

- Human rights and dignity

- Education and training

- Healthcare and medicine (including alternative medicine)

- Environmental protection and conservation

- Microfinance

Russell has been significant in supporting SmileHigh’s work since 2003 when Julian first made enquiries about volunteer dental work in Nepal. Russell and Mingma have been friends for quite some time with Russell supporting Mingma’s desire to have a fully equipped dental clinic in Kathmandu.

More information about Friends of Humanity and Russell Brice is available at the following links: