Student with Rare Condition Prepares for Everest Trek

A student, who received a diagnosis of a rare sight-loss condition following an optician visit for new glasses, has commenced an ascent of a significant Himalayan peak. Her objective is to be the first documented deafblind individual to reach the summit of Everest. Karolina Pakenaite learned that her sight and hearing would progressively worsen after being diagnosed with Usher syndrome when she was 19 years old. The 28-year-old, who hails from Southport, Merseyside, has begun ascending Mera Peak, a 6,476m (21,246ft) snow-covered summit known as Nepal’s tallest trekking peak, as part of her ongoing preparation for her primary objective. “I’m incredibly excited, though I feel a bit nervous too because I really want this climb to go well,” she stated. Ms Pakenaite received her diagnosis in 2015 after visiting the opticians, anticipating merely to request new spectacles. This syndrome, which impacts approximately 10,000 individuals in the UK, results in Ms Pakenaite experiencing tunnel vision and an inability to see at night, necessitating her dependence on sighted companions or her guide dog, Bosley, for mobility. “I was initially really sad about my diagnosis but the future looked much brighter if I had many memories to look back on,” she commented. Earlier in the current year, the computer science PhD student completed several preparatory challenges, such as ascending the three tallest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales, participating in the London Marathon, and undertaking a winter mountaineering skills program. She mentioned that she is currently undertaking two challenges concurrently, as she plans to edit her university thesis on her phone during her ascent. Ms Pakenaite’s team has implemented additional safeguards, anticipating severe conditions close to the mountain’s peak. The ascent is projected to last 16 days, primarily involving trekking across a glacier, aided by crampons and an ice axe. Furthermore, the team will require ropes and harnesses and will don thick, insulated attire to help withstand the wintry environment. Ms Pakenaite stated: “I’m looking forward to testing my endurance and understanding how my body handles the altitude, all of which are vital in my preparations for Everest.” The adventurer is additionally fundraising for Guide Dogs and the Millimetres 2 Mountains mental health charity. The best of BBC Radio Merseyside is available on Sounds, and BBC Merseyside can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.