Chichester Observer reporter Clare Hawkin has achieved the dream of a lifetime after arriving at Everest Base Camp on her trek to help raise funds for the Dreams Come True charity.

The exhausted but triumphant team, who have so far raised £50,000 for the childrens’ charity, took their final few steps to the base camp yesterday.

The trekkers set off at around 8am and arrived at base camp at lunchtime after covering 15km.

Once there, they marvelled at the stunning mountains surrounding them on all sides and the bleak yet beautiful landscape where mountaineers set up their tents before trying to summit Everest.

Family members and friends of the trekkers gathered at the Wheatsheaf Inn in Midhurst, Sussex, where they spoke to their loved ones from base camp thanks to a satellite phone.

Observer staff were also there to congratulate Clare on her achievement.

Speaking via satellite phone, Clare said: “This is by far the most difficult thing I have ever done, both mentally and physically. Even if you are fit and healthy this trek really does push your body to the limit.

“Despite the pain we all felt at times everyone is so pleased they got to the end. It really is an incredible achievement – one that we and all our families and friends are extremely proud of.”

Dreams come true fundraiser Rick Pettipher said: “For those who think that this is a holiday it certainly wasn’t. It was a hard, physical challenge for everybody concerned and everyone overcame personal obstacles to get to base camp in order to help all of the children granted a wish by Dreams Come True.”

Observer deputy editor John Carter added: “Everyone here at the Observer is enormously proud of Clare.”

Today the team will travel downhill, losing altitude which will have an immediate good effect on everyone’s health. The team will then rest at Pangboche for the evening.

You can see more about Clare’s challenge on the Observer website, www.chichester.co.uk