Record-breaking charity donation from Everest Base Camp trek

This record-breaking sum of £66,720.13 - raised for St Mary's Hospice - is the largest ever from a hospice-led event, after initial targets were set at only £2,500 each.

The two-week-long expedition was guided by Matt Le Voi, from LMG Treks and Expeditions.

Mr Le Voi led the hikers through forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines, and foothills.

The walkers found out exactly how much they raised during an event on May 29.

St Mary's relies on acts of kindness from individuals like Mr Le Voi and the Everest trekkers to maintain their standard of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses as only one-fifth of the hospice's operational costs come from the government.

Eight out of 10 St Mary's patients are cared for through funds raised by the community.

Mel Dixon, events and challenges manager for the hospice, said: "I’m absolutely blown away by the amount the walkers raised.

"We host a lot of events at St Mary’s Hospice but the amount these guys managed to raise is phenomenal.

"I remember finding out the grand total and just sitting there thinking wow.

"It’s the kindness, dedication and determination of people like these in our community that help us continue the vital work we do," she continued, adding that she "never expected one event, with just 14 people, to raise this amount of money."

She added: "It just shows us how important we are to our community and how important they are to us. Each and every person that took on the Everest Base Camp trip deserves a huge well done.” 

Expedition leader, MrLe Voi, said: "As an expedition leader, it's incredibly rewarding taking people to stunning locations around the world, helping them achieve something awesome, often outside of their pre-conceived capabilities.

“The privilege of hosting such an expedition is enhanced when you know funds are being raised for a worthy cause like St Mary's. A big well done from me to all the team, and their supporters.”