In November 2022 I joined a team of four visually impaired and twelve sighted trekkers on a trip to Everest Base Camp (5364m above sea level).
The group, led by expedition company Venture Force, had to develop a method to guide those with a visual impairment across difficult terrain, whilst they were all dealing with the effects of altitude and back-to-back days of hiking with their gear.
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Above: Will, who has congenital nystagmus with ocular albinism - an eye condition that as well as affecting his vision also gives his iris a striking pale blue colour.
Above: Cheryl, who has been blind since birth, is guided away from Namche Bazaar on her way to Everest Base Camp. Kangtega (6,782m) looms over both of them. Cheryl used a rope attached to the person in front plus verbal instructions to navigate the difficult terrain that typifies this trek.
“Venture Force have worked with James for almost four years now and he has been tireless in his efforts on our behalf.
James’s friendly, sympathetic yet gregarious demeanour allowed him instantly to bond with our clients, to become part of the team, and thus produce a collection that we are delighted with, that clients love and that James can be justifiably proud of.
It has been a totally rewarding experience working with James, he has delivered more than we could ever have asked for and done so in a thoroughly professional but also very personal way.”
- Graham McDonald, Director & Expedition Manager at Venture Force
Above: John gives Mandy a helping hand. Mandy has Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that developed in her early 30’s and has reduced her vision to 5% in both eyes. Over the next few years she will lose what remaining sight she has left, making this expedition to Nepal all the more important.
Above: Minerva (orange jacket) is guided across the difficult terrain that typifies the trek to Everest Base Camp, with the mountain itself looming above (second peak from the right). Minerva has optic nerve dysplasia and congenital nystagmus, two eye conditions that greatly reduce her ability to see and make the achievement of reaching EBC all the more impressive.