Dear friends and family, 

This journey began several months ago when one day,  completely out of the blue, I was offered the opportunity through my work's Mountaineering Club to fulfil what has been a life-long dream: to trek to the base of the magnificently astounding Mount Everest. With only limited spaces available on the trek, I frantically sent a Whats App message to Prak and the girls upon receiving the email - "What do you think? Should I just go for it?!" Without hesitation I had their support. "Yes!! Go for it!", was the unanimous response. My decision was made, I haven't looked back since.

And here we are today, just a month away from the big day of departure; the nerves are truly kicking in! After intensive training including regular long walking sessions (of up to 10miles per walk!), twice-weekly yoga sessions to build my core muscles, and weekly meditation to strengthen the mind, I now feel ready to take on what truly will be a physical and mental challenge, unlike any other that I have experienced before. 

On Saturday 2nd May, our journey will begin in Kathmandu, from where we will travel to Lukla on Sunday 3rd May, the starting point of our 12 day trek to Base Camp. Setting off at altitude of 2805m above sea level, we will begin our daily hike of up to 8 hours per day, traversing through what is known as the Khumbu region of the Himalayas. As we move through this phenomenal valley, we will stop off at many Nepalese villages and towns along the way, including Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Tengbouche. By Day 5, we hope to begin enjoying beautiful views of the great peaks of the Khumbu region, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. By Day 9 we will have reached the site of the original Everest Base Camp, standing at a giant altitude of 5180m above sea level, a total ascent of 2375m from where we first started in Lukla. However, our voyage does not stop there. On Day 10, we then hope to make an early morning ascent even higher, to peak the summit of Kala Pattar (5545m above sea level) from where we can enjoy a miraculous sunrise view of Mount Everest. 

Over the final few days, we will gradually make our descent back to Lukla, from where we will return to Kathmandu to embark on our journey back home… Undoubtedly with truly extraordinary memories in tow :)

So that's my story. Prak, Davina and my friend Nisha will be joining me in this adventure, and together we will be hand in hand to take on this challenge of a lifetime. 

But beyond the challenge that I will personally be facing, I would like to take this opportunity to also create some positive change for a community and country that are dear to my heart. I ask you all today to please support my trek by helping me to raise fundings for a charitable organisation called Medic Malawi. 

Medic Malawi is a small charity that funds a hospital in Mtunthama, rural Malawi, which opened in 2001, together with a clinic for feeding those with malnourishment, and an orphanage for 70 children. This charity is unique in that ALL money raised goes straight to Malawi, their are absolutely no UK administration costs or salaries. 

With this trek, I hope to be able to raise £3000 specifically to fund one eye surgery session (which happens on a monthly basis) at the hospital, performed by a visiting surgeon from Lilongwe (as the hospital does not have any full-time doctors but only medical officers). 

£3000 can fund 100 surgeries, with no costs payable by the recipient, and this money also funding their transport to the hospital and any carers and food for those who need it.

So all that remains for me to say is THANK YOU ALL for your support and your donations, every penny counts so any contribution that you can make will be greatly appreciated.

Love from , 

Renu, Prak and Davina

Addendum: July 2016

Dear friends, for the record you are all aware that due to the earthquake in Nepal in April 2015 we were unable to trek Base Camp. However, in July 2016 we completed a 10 day trek from Pang to Tsomoriri in Ladakh (Himalayas) in India. It was challenging and gruelling but by the same token exhilarating.  Thank you all for having supported us through our endeavours to complete our mission in this regard.

Lots of love Renu x