Mim Baynes, Alistair Shephard, and Leukemia Foundation’s national myeloma and amyloidosis coordinator Jo Beams were joined by nine other Australians on the Leukemia Foundation’s Beat Blood Cancer Everest Challenge.

Ms Baynes’ husband Peter was diagnosed with myeloma in 2014, and died in October 2017.

The two originally lived in Ulverstone in the state’s North-West, but had to relocate to Melbourne for Mr Baynes’ treatment.

“My trek to Base Camp of Mt Everest gives me the chance to say thank you for the wonderful support provided by the Leukemia Foundation during Pete’s journey with myeloma,” Ms Baynes said.

“Not only did they provide me with a home away from home in Melbourne whilst Pete was undergoing treatment for many months, but there were there every step of the way during his courageous struggle against a very aggressive myeloma.”

The Leukemia Foundation offers free accommodation for regional families near all major treatment centres in the country, and relies on fundraising events to keep these apartments and villages afloat.

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Alistair Shephard too is aware of the effects of leukemia.

“As a young family, we were affected by blood cancer in 2013 and we now want to do everything we can to help others avoid facing similar illnesses,” he said.

“I do have a choice to face up to this challenge and push myself mentally, physically and in achieving the goals of the fundraising.

“Not everyone is fortunate enough to make those choices, others are faced with challenges and even bigger mountains of their own every day.”

Ms Beams was leader of the group, and would guide the team to Base Camp.

Also from Tasmania, she was glad to have some fellow Tasmanians join her on the trip.

“I plan to share an incredible experience trekking to the base of Everest with a team of people pushing themselves physically on an adventure of a lifetime whilst helping to make a difference to others,” she said.

Ms Beams said she had worked with the Leukemia Foundation for more than 10 years, and had seen first-hand the difference the organisation can make to patients and their families.

The 11-day journey would see participants trek “through alpine meadow, into birch and rhododendron forest, across rivers and along narrow mule tracks and between snow-capped mountains”.

Visit getyourbloodpumping.com to donate.