Hiker carries Ormskirk gingerbread 4,650 miles to eat on Everest

Chris, an experienced walker, said he was “nervous” about the challenge as he had never been at such a high altitude before – 5,364 metres (17,598 feet).

He travelled from Lukla near Kathmandu, taking eight days to get to Base Camp while he acclimatised to the altitude trekking.

Reaching Base Camp was “amazing”, he said.

“You can’t really describe how it felt to be stood amongst all the amazing peaks and blue skies.

“When I walked back to where we were staying that night, I ate the gingerbread and it was the best thing I’ve tasted in a long time.

“It’s amazing normally but that added to it,” he said.

The actual gingerbread was made from a “top secret recipe” from Mr Thompson’s Bakery in Ormskirk.

Lilli Thompson said the family-run bakers were approached by Chris to help with his fundraising target and after contributing, gave him a pack of their gingerbread to take with him.

She said it was “mind-blowing” and a “privilege” to have been involved and know their sweet treat had been all the way to Everest.

“What an amazing thing Chris has done,” she said.

“We’re just so proud of him.”