Boy, eight, climbs to Mount Everest base camp
An eight-year-old boy has reached Mount Everest’s base camp after a nine-day trek.
Last year, Frankie McMillan, from west Cumbria, climbed Greece’s Mount Olympus to become what is believed to be the youngest Briton to reach its summit.
On Tuesday, Frankie reached Everest’s base camp, which sits at an altitude of 17,598ft (5364m).
He called the trip a “warm up” and plans to climb to the top of Everest when he is 10.
The young mountaineer climbed to base camp with his mother Basia McMillan.
She said the trip had been an “unforgettable experience”.
“I could not be more proud watching Frankie touching base camp rock, watching his dreams come true,” she said.
“I think that’s the most wonderful moment for a mother – to watch their child fulfilling his dreams.”
Frankie said the higher they went, the harder it became.
“The thin air makes it difficult to breathe and makes you tired quicker,” he said.
Ms McMillan said Frankie’s determination was “something to admire by all”.
She said they had walked dusk to dawn for nine days to reach the camp.
Hiking in the Lake District had helped prepare the pair for the trek, but “nothing can prepare you for the altitude,” she added.
Frankie said he wanted to eventually climb the highest mountain in each continent.
The pair made the climb to fundraise for the children's charity Make-A-Wish UK.
They are now climbing back down from base camp.
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