‘Wonderful, humbling and spiritually satisfying’ are how two Walsall NHS colleagues have described their inspirational fundraiser.

Ashok Puligari, General and Colorectal Surgeon, and Venugopal Guduri, Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedics trekked the Annapurna Circuit in the Nepalese Himalayas on 2 October.

The high-altitude trek, with varying trailheads and a wide range of side-treks, took 12 days and reached a maximum height of 5416 metres.

The keen fundraisers, who are originally from India, raised just under £1,100 for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity.

The intrepid pair said: “This was a once in a lifetime experience for us so when we completed the trek it felt very fulfilling in many ways.

“For the first few days the weather was really challenging and the descent was very tough. The beauty of the nature, company of friends and Nepalese hospitality, however, made it all worthwhile. We also visited some of the most important and sacred Hindu temples in Nepal which was very special.”

Ashok said: “Our family and friends were very proud of us and colleagues appreciated our commitment to take time off to do such charitable activity. I hope the hospital and the department values our efforts and we wish we could have raised even more.”

Venugopal added: “We are now planning to do a Ben Nevis trek in 2024 with a few more hospital colleagues from various departments including Anaesthetics, Medicine, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cardiology and Surgery – so watch this space.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager said: “We are in awe of what these two colleagues have achieved through this fundraiser. It’s no easy feat to trek the Himalayas but they followed through with their promise and dedication and completed this journey to raise money for Well Wishers. We are so thankful.

“The charity raises money for items above and beyond what the NHS can provide to enhance our patients’ experience and the donation Ashok and Venugopal have given will make a huge difference.”