An eight-year-old boy from west Cumbria, Frankie McMillan, has accomplished an extraordinary feat by reaching the base camp of Mount Everest after a challenging nine-day trek. This achievement comes after Frankie became the youngest Briton to summit Greece’s Mount Olympus last year.
Ascending to an elevation of 17,598 feet (5364 meters), Frankie and his mother, Basia McMillan, undertook the arduous journey together. Mrs. McMillan described the experience as unforgettable, expressing immense pride in witnessing Frankie’s dreams materialize as he touched the base camp rock.
For Frankie, this journey is just a precursor to his ambitious goal of summiting Mount Everest by the age of 10. Reflecting on the challenges faced during the ascent, he noted the increasing difficulty caused by the thin air at higher altitudes, which made breathing and maintaining energy levels more demanding.
Despite the physical challenges, Mrs. McMillan emphasized Frankie’s unwavering determination, describing it as an inspiration to all. The duo traversed from dusk till dawn over the course of nine days to reach their destination. While their hiking experiences in the Lake District helped prepare them, the altitude presented a unique challenge that couldn’t be fully anticipated.
Frankie’s aspirations extend beyond Everest, as he expressed his desire to conquer the highest peaks on every continent. Their remarkable journey also serves a philanthropic purpose, as they embarked on the climb to raise funds for the children’s charity Make-A-Wish UK.
As Frankie and his mother begin their descent from base camp, their remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, regardless of age.