A WOMAN with weakened bones will trek to Mouth Everest Base Camp - and has even won the suppport of the Royal Family.
Corinne Turnbull, from Brighton, is making the treacherous journey despite extreme pain caused by osteoporosis, a condition that means bones are weakened and can break more easily.
Her braveness has been recognised by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, president of the Royal Osteoporosis Society.
“I very much hope that the trek is a huge success," the future Queen Consort said in a letter.
"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all you are doing for the ROS.”
Corinne will trek 80 miles across 18 days, reaching altitudes of 5,545 metres, while facing temperatures of minus 7 degrees.
She is set to begin the trek on October 29.
The 50-year-old said: “I wanted to take on this challenge to raise awareness of this hidden and agonising disease.
“It won’t be easy, and there’s a real risk that if I trip over, I could break a bone, but I am inspired and motivated to make a difference.”
There are 3.5 million people living with osteoporosis in the UK.
Corinne also used to have anorexia but is raising money for the Royal Osteoporosis Society, after being diagnosed with the disease in 2009, at just 37 years old.
She said there is a misconception that it affects just older generations and that many do not realise how many people have the condition.
“Few people in the UK really understand what osteoporosis is,” she said.
“Even fewer understand the true extent of the impact it has on lives: the pain of broken bones, the way it robs those of self-confidence, and the way it reduces independence.
“I think there is a dangerous lack of awareness of bone health in general. I wish I knew more about the condition and risk factors when I was younger as I would have taken steps to protect my bone health then.
“I used to be very ashamed of having anorexia and developing osteoporosis as a result, but by doing this trek I feel like I can own the condition and my experience of it, and not be ashamed.
"I hope to inspire other people and share some enthusiasm by doing this challenge.”
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