CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING YOUR EVEREST BASECAMP TREK! HOW WAS IT?

Thank you! It was everything I had hoped for and more! Challenging and rewarding in equal measure!

WHY THE EVEREST BASECAMP TREK?

I did Kilimanjaro a couple of years ago and developed a love for mountains. It was then I started researching the seven summits and wondering if it would be possible for me to summit the highest mountain on each continent... I'm not sure yet, some I think are possible but this trek is certainly the closest I could get to Everest!

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO IT AS A CHARITY CHALLENGE?

I raised a fair bit two years ago and it had felt great to do something for a charity that was close to my heart. My way of giving something back. I was keen to do it again but at first was wary of asking my friends and family again so soon, however, they had other ideas! As soon as they found out what I was planning many wanted to support me and it has been a great success.

WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING ON TREK AS A CHARITY CHALLENGE TREKKER?

It gives you a great sense of purpose and gives you something to focus on if you are having a tough day.

WHAT WAS THE MAIN HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR JOURNEY?

Reaching Everest Base Camp was of course amazing! It was something I had been thinking about for a year so was fantastic to finally be there. I felt very privileged to share it (albeit for a short time) with those climbers going through their rotations to the summit of Everest and the nearby peaks. Being so close to the Khumbu icefall and seeing the sheer size and complexity of that was mind-blowing.

However, my favourite moment was summitting Kala Patthar and turning round to the most incredible view! The best view of Everest on the trek, the Khumbu glacier and icefall, Base Camp and Nuptse - it's not a view many will get to see with their own eyes! It wasn't busy at the summit so we rested and enjoyed our time there. Having some time there to reflect on why I was doing the trek and the charity I was raising money for felt very special and will stay with me for a long time.

DID YOU FEEL MORE MOTIVATED TO COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE?

Knowing that a charity will benefit and that people are rooting for you definitely helps when you needed an added boost. Dig deep and carry on!

DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO DO ANOTHER?

Yes, will definitely be doing something else. Just need to decide what!

HAVE YOU GOT ANY ADVICE FOR ANYONE THINKING ABOUT FUNDRAISING ALONGSIDE THEIR ADVENTURE?

Give people plenty of time so start your fundraising a good few months before. Ensure you send regular updates about your training, kit research, ask for advice, anything to keep you supporters or potential supporters engaged. Don't bombard them though! I would say sharing your page with an update once a month feels about right but use your other social media channels (if you have them) to keep people in the loop and you forefront of mind.

See more of Cheryl's journey on Instagram, or find out more about her fundraiser on her Justgiving page.

Thinking of doing your own charity challenge? We've got loads more, alongside Everest Base Camp Trek. Give our team a call on 017687 73966 and they'll help you decide which one's for you - or browse all our adventures here.