A social worker who embarked on a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” reached his goal when he arrived at Mount Everest’s first base camp this week.

Lyndon Jackson trekked more than 17,000ft up the world’s tallest peak.

The acting director of the counselling and career centre at the Bermuda College took on the challenge to raise funds for Bermuda’s Brazilian Football School, a charity run by former footballer Dennis Brown.

Mr Jackson told The Royal Gazette from his camp on the mountain that he arrived at the base camp in good health with other members of a tour.

He said the journey started with a diversion from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, to another town. A “short hike” followed.

The group then flew to Lukla, home to one of the world’s most dangerous airports.

It is in the mountainous region of northeastern Nepal, where incoming travellers often have to contend with hazardous weather.

Mr Jackson and the group then trekked through several villages for days before the group finally arrived at the base camp — 17,598ft up the mountain — on Thursday.

He said then: “I now head back down using a different, more direct route to conclude the trek overall on Sunday in Lukla.”

Mr Jackson added: “Trekking to Everest Base Camp really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Hiking through the foothills of the Nepalese Himalayas has been an incredible experience.”

He said: “Eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks are located here – there really is no mountain range quite like this anywhere else on Earth.”

Mr Jackson is expected to return to Kathmandu on Monday.

He has spent his career, spanning 30 years, supporting young people’s growth and development as they move from high school on to higher education. He reiterated that the purpose of his trip was in aid of a charitable cause.

Mr Jackson urged people to lend a hand to the football club’s programme, which supports the growth of boys and girls between 5 and 14, mentally, physically and emotionally.