I am Nishani Amerasinghe, consultant ophthalmic surgeon and glaucoma specialist at University Hospital Southampton. It is heartbreaking to meet patients whose sight loss could have been prevented.  I am on a mission to increase glaucoma awareness.  Over 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma.   Half of the patients with glaucoma don’t even know they have it, as it is a symptomless disease. Untreated glaucoma can lead to a complete loss of sight, and one in 10 people in the UK will eventually be diagnosed with the condition. My own father , who sadly recently passed away, had glaucoma. I personally know the effect the condition has on families – imagine being unable to drive a car, enjoy your hobbies or see your own family 

In support of Glaucoma UK, I will be “skinning” (climbing on skis) to reach the equivalent of the summit of  Everest during this four-day gruelling event, held in the Swiss Alps. Each day I will climb, on skis, between 2,000m – 2,500m to reach the overall target of 8,848m. The average amount of time I will be out on the snow is 11 hours a day, but it could be much longer – however long it takes to keep on track. At altitudes of up to 3,500m, I will burn through a daily average of 10,000 calories – the equivalent of running three back-to-back marathons. The most energetic thing I have previously done for charity is cutting off my hair.  This is going to push me to my extreme both physically and mentally.

I was aiming to raise £8848 , the equivalent in pounds to the height of Everest in metres for Glaucoma UK. We have been lucky enough (and so grateful) to have smashed this target so we have doubled it!

Glaucoma UK works tirelessly to end preventable glaucoma sight loss. By raising awareness of the condition, glaucoma can be detected early and people can be supported to live well. The charity relies on donations and your support will make a real difference. Together we can change the outlook for people with glaucoma

Thank you to ELIOS Vision and Santen for providing Summit Sponsorship. Glaukos for Hilary Ridge Sponsorship and Istar Medical for Base Camp Sponsorship and Thea Pharma UK for providing registration sponsorship

Sponsorship money donated to the JustGiving site both on and offline will go to Glaucoma UK