For Everest summit
shakes, high-calorie soups and small cheeses, as opposed to anything I need to chew, which is really difficult at that altitude, because you have no appetite.
“Last year I planned for 12 months in advance but hesitated to commit. Things this year are different and I can’t wait.
“I have experience of going up the south side. Last year I got experience of the north, and Everest up to 7000m is not going to be unexpected, so I feel better prepared, although above that is unknown.
“I know the climb to Advanced Base Camp is going to be difficult, but I know how to do it and what is expected.
“I’ve climbed the North Col three times, so I know how much effort is involved.”
Reaching the summit of the highest mountain in the world would mean a lot to Ricky, but he also says he’s doing it for those who follow him on social media.
He said: “There are three steps on the north side and they’re not named after anybody, like the Hilary Step on the Nepal side. They’re just named First, Second and Third Steps, but they are quite technical.
“There are ladders and fixed ropes, but it’s quite physical and hard work. When you’re wearing an oxygen mask you can’t really see your feet, so it’s difficult to know where to put them.
“Some people say Everest is a circus, with ladders and fixed ropes and things like that, but it’s the highest mountain and I still think it’s amazing that you can be the highest human being on earth, even if it’s only for a minute.
“It would mean everything to me to summit. It might not change my life, but it would be something I could share with others. It would show that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough for it. They might never get a chance to go there, but I can, and that makes it more worthwhile.”