Consultant Paediatrician, Venkat Thiyagesh, is climbing from the foot of Mount Everest to the Everest Base Camp in the first-ever fundraising event for our Charity's Ray of Sunshine Campaign - and today he saw his first glimpse of the top of the world's highest mountain.

He is climbing with his wife, and they are already well on their way to the Everest Base Camp, which is a whopping 5,364 metres of elevation.

Earlier today (Monday 21st October) Venkat reported back that they had passed the 4,000-metre level and that they'd had their first glimpse of the summit (pictured below). 

Last Friday Venkat sent an update, saying: "We were two days behind schedule due to weather and as we're travelling off-road, it meant we had to travel by whatever means we could.  We managed to join the track and cut our loss of days to one. Nepal's floods have destroyed roads and I have seen some incredible destruction by the mud slides. The local people are resilient and it's very humbling. Our lack of sleep and hardship for few days is nothing compared to what the people here are going through. Some of the off-road track experiences we've had have been more dangerous than what you would see on Top Gear. I have seen snakes going across the road, with people moving away for then to pass. We have driven through falls and mud."

The trek will take 12 days to complete and covers 130 kilometres. The money raised will go towards funding services for our children and young people, including providing play therapy support, visually appealing environments and distraction toys.

Venkat said: "Having worked in children's services, I want to support an initiative that benefits children and young people, fulfilling their wishes and providing ongoing support during times of illness, as well as aiding them within the community."

He has smashed his £1,000 fundraising target, already raising more than £1,300. Check out the Charity's website for progress on Venkat's adventure and to donate.