Blanche?s involvement with the Xtreme Everest 2007 expedition stems from an occasion where she was present at a Royal Institution event. It was at this event where she heard Hugh Montgomery, the research leader for Xtreme Everest, give a presentation. Subsequently Blanche volunteered and is now the Marketing and Communications manager responsible for fundraising for Xtreme Everest.

Blanche has a remarkable history of involvement in volunteer work. She has been involved in planning and executing public relations, fundraising and communication programmes. She has volunteered for institutes such as IBM, Head Start Programme, Big Sister Programme and for a number of medical initiatives in the UK and the United States.

Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi USA, Blanche made her way to the UK in Mid 1987 where she worked as the Account Director for Shandwick, managing British Telecom?s residential public relations account. Currently, Blanche works as a Magistrate at the Richmond upon Thames Magistrates? Court.

Blanche has a BS in Broadcasting and film, from Boston University, in the United States. In 1998, she worked as a Research Assistant at Queen Mary?s University Hospital London, in the Department of Gastroenterology. The project she was involved in collected data on patients diagnosed with hepatitis C infection in West London, establishing a database for future studies of the disease.

A thrill-seeker, in 1978 Blanche was the Star Crest Recipient of the Bob Buquor Skydiving Award. She has completed over 50 skydives and her more sedate pastimes include cycling, reading, nutrition, cooking and tennis. Blanche has also written, directed, and produced a 30 minute documentary on long distance running.

In addition to her working career Blanche lives a busy life as a wife and mother.