Marathon climb by Optom to assist Ben Parker Fund

Nottinghamshire optometrist sets sights on epic Everest trek

A LOCAL OPTOMETRIST is setting out on an adventure to tackle a route into the world’s highest mountain range to raise thousands for charity.

This will be the second time Krishna Parmar, who runs Specsavers stores in Beeston, Ilkeston, Long Eaton and Eastwood, has taken on a marathon climb after she and her daughters trekked up Mount Kilimanjaro five years ago.

Her journey to Mount Everest this May will take her through Sherpa villages and reveal breath-taking views as she hikes more than 5,000m up to the mountain’s famous Base Camp, where mountaineers begin their epic ascents to the summit.

Krishna hopes to raise at least £2,000 for The Ben Parker Trust, a charity that supports the families of children fighting leukaemia or cancer, by gifting them a free holiday and allowing them to spend much needed, quality family together away from the overwhelming hospital environment.

‘Everest is more than just a mountain, and the journey to Base Camp is more than just a trek,’ says Krishna, who runs the Specsavers’ stores with daughters Amisha and Jyoti. ‘My trek includes traveling through Sherpa villages with awe-inspiring views and sleeping in tea houses.

“This is the ultimate bucket list trek for any active adventurer looking for their next big challenge and for me it’s finally happening as the mountains are calling and I must go.’

Krishna is spending her free time training for the hike, including walking an average of five miles a day as well as 15 and 20 miles at weekends to improve her cardio endurance. She is also working out at the gym several times a week to build her strength.

‘Every pound donated will be going to a very good cause to support the families of children going through leukaemia and cancer,’ says Krishna, who raised £7,000 for two other charities on her Kilimanjaro trek.