A DETERMINED pensioner has achieved his goal of trekking to the world’s highest hotel to raise money to support vulnerable girls across the world.

Retired Mike Williams, 75, from Brighton trekked for four days to reach The Hotel Everest View, which is at an altitude of 13,000 feet near Namche, in Nepal, the village closest to Everest base camp.

Through support from family and friends, Mike raised more than £800 for the global children’s charity Plan International UK.

He said: “Although this was the third time I’d visited Nepal, I was nervous about the trip as it has been six years since the last time I trekked under these conditions.

“I could have cried when I reached the top. It was such an amazing experience.

“The scenery was stunning and when we reached the hotel we had a clear view of Mount Everest.”

During his trip he also visited a girl he has sponsored for three years through Plan International UK.

Mr Williams met 11-year-old Ramita Kumari and learned about how the money he donates helps her and her community.

He said: “When I arrived at Ramita Kumari’s home I had red dye applied to my forehead to mark that it was a celebration and also flower garlands placed around my neck.

“The community was really welcoming and all her neighbours came to say hello.

“Although I’ve visited communities in Asia and Africa in the past, I felt I had a really unique insight into the way the family lives and it was truly humbling.”

Plan International is working in Ramita Kumari’s village to improve life for residents there.

One of the dangers faced by children in the region is trafficking which is why the charity hold sessions with young girls to make them aware of issues such as sexual abuse and gender violence.

Mike said: “Visiting my sponsored child and her community made me realise just how important it is that I continue with my sponsorship.

“It was a really positive experience.”

Plan International UK celebrated its 80th birthday in March.

Over the past eight decades, the charity has grown to support children in more than 51 countries and more than 86,000 people in the UK now sponsor a child.

Money donated to Plan International UK through child sponsorship benefits children and their families.

A donation of £19.50 a month helps provide clean water, healthcare and education.