Student with rare condition trains for Everest trek

Karolina Pakenaite aims to be the first person with her condition to summit the famous peak

A student diagnosed with a rare sight-loss condition after going to the opticians for a new pair of glasses has started climbing a huge Himalayan peak as she aims to become the first known deafblind person to summit Everest.

Karolina Pakenaite was told her vision and hearing would decline over time after being diagnosed with usher syndrome at the age of 19.

The 28-year-old from Southport, Merseyside, has started climbing Mera Peak, a 6,476m (21,246ft) snow-capped peak dubbed Nepal’s highest trekking peak as she continues to train for her main goal.

“I’m incredibly excited, though I feel a bit nervous too because I really want this climb to go well,” she said.

Ms Pakenaite was diagnosed with her condition after going to the opticians for what she had hoped would simply be a request for a new pair of glasses in 2015.

The syndrome, which affects about 10,000 people in the UK, means Ms Pakenaite experiences tunnel vision and night blindness, and must rely on sighted guides or her guide dog Bosley to get around.

“I was initially really sad about my diagnosis but the future looked much brighter if I had many memories to look back on,” she said.

Harsh conditions

Earlier this year, the computer science PHD student ticked off several other warm-up challenges, including climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, running the London Marathon and doing a winter mountaineering skills course.

She said she was now taking on two challenges simultaneously as she will be editing her university thesis on her phone as she climbs.

Ms Pakenaite's team have taken extra precautions as they are expecting harsh conditions near the mountain's summit.

The climb will involve a 16-day ascent, mostly trekking over a glacier with the help of crampons and an ice axe.

The team will also need ropes and harnesses and will wear thick, insulated suits to help fend off the wintery conditions.

Ms Pakenaite said: “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 also raising money for Guide Dogs and the Millimetres 2 Mountains mental health charity.