Along with UHNM consultants and local GP colleagues, I am planning an expedition to climb the Mera Peak , a 6,476 metres peak in the Himalayas during the first two weeks of May for UHNM Charity.

The aim of this sixteen-day expedition is to raise funds for a new angiographic suite to support the 24/7 Thrombectomy Service at UHNM, as well as raising awareness of mechanical Thrombectomy treatment in acute stroke and to accelerate its 24/7 access to all eligible stroke patients within UK.

As well as myself, the group of doctors include Mr Sandeep Konduru, Consultant Spinal Surgeon, Dr Nageswar Bandla, ITU Consultant and Dr Jag Boyapati, local GP and Dr Anil Surendran, local GP and Sculptor.

We have been preparing for this trek since November 2022 and at 6,476 metres, the altitude will be the biggest challenge. It will be the highest climb we have done so far- the previous highest climb was 5,600 metres.

On reaching the top summit it provides charming scenery and a panorama of the high mountains- the top five 8,000 metre-high peaks of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Mt.Cho-Oyu.