Keshia and I have decided to take on the challenge of a lifetime and trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Valley at 5364m above sea level. The Everest region is famous for its amazing beauty and is home of course to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, sitting at 8,848m.

We will be trekking though the Himalayas for approximately 145km over 18 days in April 2023 (pushed back 2 years thanks to you know what). Daytime temperatures will vary from 15 to 30°C in Kathmandu to around 10°C at 3500m; however the mountains can be very unpredictable and often see night time temperatures dip to -25°C. Perhaps the biggest challenge we will face is altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), as once over 3000m there is only 48% oxygen levels in comparison to being at home. Age, sex or physical fitness has no bearing on your likelihood of getting altitude sickness and symptoms are similar to those of a bad hangover. All we can do is ensure we are well hydrated and listen to our bodies, guides and Sherpas experience.

How this differs from the normal Everest Base Camp trek is that we have decided to take the more difficult (but spectacular) route via Gokyo Lakes. A quick google search of this will show you the beauty of it! From here we then have to cross the Chola Pass at 5,420m (higher than base camp) which is icy, slippery and very difficult to cross.

Not only do we get to trek to Base Camp we also get the opportunity to climb Kala Patthar. Sitting at 5644m we will attempt to climb in the dark, with the aim of reaching the summit for breath-taking close up views of sunrise on Mt. Everest!! (By far the thing we are most excited about).

WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT CLEAR WE ARE SELF FUNDING THE TRIP SO ALL DONATIONS WILL BE SPLIT BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING CAUSES

1. Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund

My (Amanda's) mum was finally diagnosed with pancreatic cancer when she was 39 years old and sadly lost her fight after 3 years. By this point the cancer had already spread to her lungs and was terminal.

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all cancers – just 5% of those diagnosed survive beyond five years and this figure has barely improved in 40 years. This is because the cancer causes few symptoms in its early stages (jaundice, weight loss, stomach and back pain) and is often not diagnosed until the cancer is quite advanced.

Yet despite its high death rate and lack of improvement in chances of survival, pancreatic cancer has attracted little research funding in comparison with many other cancers - currently less than 2% of research funding from the major funding bodies.

2. Sunderland Cat Rescue (Carole’s Cats)

As you may know (and if you don’t where have you been?!) I am passionate about helping kitties. Having loved them since being a child this passion has only grown stronger since getting our big lad Mufassa. After being pointed in the direction of Carole to try get a friend for him we brought home Mulan, and ever since then I have (much to Keshia’s annoyance) been bringing home foster cats to love, socialise and help find their fur-ever homes.

Every day the financial cost of food, litter, blankets, vet checks, toys & the time and effort put in for so many un-loved cats is huge. This local charity is close to our hearts and we would love to help raise as much money possible for them.

Thanks in advance from Mufassa, Mulan, Cinderella, Pablo, Tinkerbell, Gus, O’Malley, Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Amelia, Abigail, Tiana, Jasmine, Jim, Belle, Prince Phillip, Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, Elsa, Anna, 4 un-named 24-hour old kittens, Nala, Mowgli, Arthur, Bessie, Horace, Jasper, Pongo, Purdy, Sgt.Tibbs, Roger, Cruella, Marie, Gaston, Lefou & Scrambles.

If you are still with us by now then thank you for reading and thank you in advance for your donation!

Lots of love, Amanda & Keshia xx