All donations will go to support patients of King’s world leading Diabetic Foot Clinic, helping to fund innovative equipment to support patients with complex diabetic conditions. Examples of this include a 'Foot Pressure Scan' that can be used to aid the decision-making involved in these procedures and to help assess post-operative success.
In October, Venu took on the greatest mountain in the world, trekking to the Mount Everest Base Camp (at an altitude of 5,364 meters/17,598 feet) across nine arduous days, completing the expedition on 25 October.
The trek was extremely challenging and has seen many members drop out in the last two days due to exhaustion, injuries and high-altitude sickness. At the very high altitudes, the O2 saturations ranged from 67 to 80%.
Venu said, "The penultimate day was hiking to Kalapathar (5,550 meters/18,208 feet). The trekking path was extremely treacherous and steep. Nevertheless, the views of Mt Everest and other Himalayan ranges from the Kalapathar at sunset were truly spectacular. As the sun sets the Himalayan range glows with a golden hue. As the sun continues to descend, the golden hue disappears from the other peaks while staying the longest on Mount Everest. As this phenomenon occurs, the sky turns into a magical canvas of blue and orange giving a backdrop to the shiny white mountains."
"On the last day, we trekked through the Khumbu glacier to reach the Everest Base Camp. This part was also equally challenging and dangerous. The beautiful nature and the resolve to complete the task kept me going. The 360-degree views of the blissful snow-capped mountains at the Everest Bast Camp were breathtakingly enjoyable and worth all that hardship.
Despite the physically and mentally challenging nature of the trek, for Venu it was for an entirely worthwhile cause. He said, "The trek overall was exhausting, strenuous and a test of one’s physical strength and mental endurance. However, I had remained mindful of the purpose of my participation in this once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"I am grateful to the members of Mike Edmonds Foot Unit (King's Diabetic Foot Clinic) that inspired me and provided me constant encouragement and support throughout my trek. I am also grateful to all members that donated generously on my 'GoFundMe' page."
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