A Cumbrian eight-year-old has successfully reached Everest Base Camp – all while raising money for charity.
Frankie McMillian, of Gosforth, is now one of a handful of children worldwide who have reached the iconic summit.
He has so far breezed through the intense 11-day trip in Nepal with his mountain guide mum Basia, who has been sharing journey updates via social media.
Today, Basia posted a video of their celebrations at Base Camp, which is around 17,598ft above sea level.
Their success comes after Basia shared concerns about a headache she developed yesterday – day eight of the trip – after reaching Lobuche, a small settlement six hours away from Base Camp.
Basia’s headache coupled with the pair feeling some tiredness promoted them to change their route and stay in Gorakshep, another nearby settlement, for one night, which allowed them some extra time to acclimatise to the high altitude.
The pair also enjoyed Kendal Mint Cake, while they prepared for the final leg up to Base Camp.
She added that it had made sense to both of them to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation, a charity that Frankie picked out himself.
They have since raised over £1,300 through Just Giving and are still fundraising now.
Guided by Sherpa Mingma, who Basia described as a true angel and friend, Basia and Frankie have also been warmly welcomed by both tourists from the UK and Nepalese locals.
Basia said on social media: “Frankie is a trooper and he makes me super proud with every step he takes in this trek. He already has plans on what to conquer when we come back to Nepal, as Base Camp is ‘just a warm up!”
He has also completed all 214 Wainwrights and has climbed nearly 500 mountains since he was born.
