BMRES report April 2022-March 2023
President: Prof Jo Bradwell Chairman: Prof Chris Imray Treasurer: Dr Owen Thomas Secretary: Dr Alex Wright
Committee members Dr John Delamere, Dr Will Malein, Dr Sam Lucas, Dr Kelsey Joyce, Dr Sarah Clarke, Dr Kim Ashdown, Dr Kyle Pattinson
Meetings were held monthly in person and on zoom.
The main activity of the year was preparing for an expedition of 18 participants to the Annapurna region of Nepal for an ambitious trek including four high altitude passes. Studies were planned to include continuous oximetry and further assessments of acetazolamide in a placebo-controlled trial with crossover. A cognitive study was developed to include both Lake Louise scores and an acetazolamide questionnaire. The expedition was thwarted by 8cms of torrential rain over three days and by respiratory infections. Research was not possible. Subsequently seven members managed to complete the Annapurna circuit over the Thorong La (the high point at 5416m reached in the first BMRES expedition) in a clockwise direction and others explored Tilicho Lake (the world’s highest lake at 4919m). The seriousness of the weather was emphasised by reports of about 50 deaths in the Annapurna region as a result of the storm. It is hoped that some of the research plans could be completed subsequently in the Alps.
Walks in the Lake District. The summer walk was based on New Dungeon Ghyll and was used to trial the use of Nonin sensors for continuous oximetry. The winter walk was based on Patterdale.
Publications included the Rush and Rest data in New Zealand Journal of Sports Science, environmental studies and two books (Grand Annapurna Traverse and the 3[rd] edition of BMRES publications)
The 2,600 trees planted in the BMRES wood were reported to be well established with only 3% mortality during the summer drought.
The Society was pleased to note the successful completion of a tough 48-day trans-Antarctic expedition by Chris Imray (Inspire 22).
BMRES remains grateful for the secretarial support given by Amy Cogswell, the technical support given by Amy and Kelsey Joyce and the help towards the accounts given by Ruth Keighley. The website has been updated by Kelsey.
Recelpts and pa CC16a Sectioii A Receipts and payments A1 17• Ti 1• {••• 17
Section B Slalement of as5els and liabilitie5 at the end of the period O•tails
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Roport to the truste1 Momr$ of Bimingham Medical Researth Expeditionary SoGiety On accounts for the year ended 5 April 2023 Charfty no (If any) 277893 Set out on pages Re8Prttlv• The chartys trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in rnspon$lbllltle$ of accordance with the requirements of the Chartti88 Ad 2011 rthe Acti. trustees and •xamlner The charivs tru8te88 conslder that an audit is not requlred for th18 year under section 144 of Act and that an independent examination 18 needed. It 18 my responsibillty to- examine the accounts urnler section 145 of the Charitie8 Act, to folk)w the applicable Directions glven by the Charity Commlssion (under section 145(5)(b) of the Ad, and to state whether partKular matters have come to my attentlon Basls of Ind•pendent My examination was carTied out In accordance with general Diredions glven examln•rf• *tatom•nt by the Charity Commlssion. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts e8ented with those records. It also indudes conslderation of any unu8ual items or disdosures In the accounts. and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no otmnion is given as to whether the accounts present o Irue and fairf view and the report is limited to Ih088 matters 8et out in the statement below. Independènt In connedbon wlth my examination, no material mattern have come to my examln•rf8 statemont attention which gNes me rAuse to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with sedion 130 of the Charities Act or the accounts do not accord wlth the accounting record8 I have con¢ems and have come acro88 no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the acCOts to be reathd. Slgn•d: 14 DECEMBER 2023 Nam•: DAVID SEELEY Relevant professlonal qualificatlonls) or body (If any): FCA Addr. ACCUO ACCOUNTING LTD. 40 BEAR HILL, ALVECHURCH B48 7JX