My trip to Everest base camp and Kalapathar summit was equally challenging and enjoyable at the same time. Kathmandu was very crowded like any other city but once you get to the Khumbu region the scenery is breathtaking. Our flight to Lukhla was cancelled and we had to take a chopper to Surke and landed on a remote patch on the mountains below Lukhla. From there on the next 9 days were full of fun. The sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar was breathtaking. I met Kancha sherpa the sole survivor of the first successful everest summit expedition. This was a humbling experience for me. The locals are so welcoming. The porters you see en-route have been walking for days carrying heavy loads. Everything has to carried to all the villages in the region as there are no roads. Donkeys, mules and Yaks carry the heavier loads. Beyond Namche the scenery is out of this world and getting the first glimpse of Everest and Lhotse was so refreshing and motivating to keep progressing to base camp. The mighty Dudh Koshi river and the long suspension bridges we crossed over several times during the trek reminded me of the power of nature and human ingenuity. The days were long and as we gained altitude beyond 3000m the effort of breathing began to show. This got easier as we acclimatised to the altitude. As we got closer to base camp we were walking beside the mighty Khumbu glacier who icefalls have been the biggest challenge for Everest sumitters from the south side. There were constant rockfalls and landslides on Mt Nuptse which echoed all around reminding us of the dangers in this remote environment. When we arrived at base camp the sense of achievement was so enjoyable and humbling. All of us in my group made it to base camp. We sang and danced to celebrate. Climbing Kalapathar at dawn was well worth it. Sunrise over Everest is a sight that has no comparisons. The descent from base camp was a lot easier. In nine days we had trekked 183 kms in all. 

I would like to thank each one of you who donated to this noble cause and motivated me. My wife Maha, son Pranav and daughter Priyanka, had to put up with so much during my training and trip to base camp. Lots of sacrificed weekends and holidays. I could not have done this without their support and encouragement throughout. 

Sorry for the delay in updating you all. My mother was critical and sadly passed away soon after my return from base camp. The page is still open should any of you still wish to donate. Every penny will be gratefully received.​

First post for fundraising

Being a cancer surgeon myself and having lost my father to stomach cancer, I have seen the impact of this dreadful condition as a clinician and a carer. Whilst there have been major breakthroughs in cancer treatments over the last few decades, patients and families still go through a very difficult time throughout their treatment and recovery. Having all treatment modalities under one roof where patients and families can be supported during these difficult times will be a massive boon to our  community and will enable the teams to provide exceptional holistic care. The Wellness Centre will be invaluable for patients and their families through the range of services it can offer including advice and counselling.

My trip is completely self funded and all your donations will go straight to the charity. I'm travelling to Nepal and trekking to Mt Everest Base Camp, one of the worlds highest civilisations. The 130 km round trip starts with a roller coaster flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which is dubbed as the "most dangerous airport in the world", landing on a narrow, steep airstrip surrounded by tall mountains and deep valleys. From Lukla, I will be trekking  to a height of 5,644m over the next week to Everest base camp, contending with below freezing conditions, low oxygen levels and possible altitude sickness. I will be giving up my comforts for what I hope will be a trip of a lifetime. Please give generously for a worthy cause. I am very grateful for all your encouragement and support.

Subash

Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity is leading the campaign to build a world-class cancer centre at Colchester Hospital. The cancer centre has been officially named as The Collingwood Centre and construction has begun which is a real milestone for the campaign. However, there is still c. £180,000 left to raise so we can't stop yet. Fundraising continues to reach the final target and enable the Wellness Centre to become a reality. The Wellness Centre is where patients and their families will be able to get advice and information, sign up for courses to help them through this difficult time in their lives and take part in counselling and complimentary therapies. It is a key part of our offering to patients and will be in a separate building providing not only some geographical, but also psychological distance from the main treatment centre.So join us in the final push, it really will change peoples lives.