Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

For the past 20 months, I have been training towards one of the biggest personal challenges of my life. In October, at the age of 50, I will be trekking at high altitude, through The Himalayas to Everest Base Camp.

A year into my training, I hit some set backs. I got viral Labyrinthitis following a cold. The virus damaged my inner ear and left me with a permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. This, the tests, scans, hearing aid trials and lipreading lessons were not in my training plan! Nor was rehab for the associated balance issues and a knee injury. 

My training is now back on track and I am still going to Nepal on 6 October, more determined than ever to complete my dream of reaching Everest Base Camp. 

I will be walking at high altitude for 6-8 hours per day for 14 consecutive days. The route will take us through Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries; over gorges and swing bridges; up rocky mountain passes; and along the Khumbu glacier to Everest. Our highest point will be 5,545m (18,192ft) above sea level.

Please consider supporting my efforts by donating to my chosen charity, Action on Hearing Loss Scotland (formerly RNID).

My hearing loss was partial but sudden and caused by a virus. I never dreamt this would happen to me! I had never fully appreciated my hearing until I lost it. Action On Hearing Loss Scotland provided information and support to help me adjust. 

A hearing loss can happen to anyone at any age. 

Take a look at this link to a recent BBC news clip about 37 year old broadcaster, Lewis Vaughan Jones. He also suffered a hearing loss recently following a cold.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44910201

Thank you in anticipation for your support and kind generosity. It is much appreciated. 

Patricia x 👍🏻😊