When PC Jessica Sowden takes her first steps towards Everest base camp next week, it will be the latest in an ever-growing list of challenges she has had to overcome.
Since making the bold decision to take on one of the most difficult mountain assents back in 2018, things have not exactly gone to plan for the Swindon response officer.
The former regional netball player developed sciatic pain in her right leg within weeks was in excruciating pain that left her unable to work and bed-ridden.
In January 2019, she underwent surgery and the road to recovery began, with the help the help of The Police Rehabilitation Centre in Goring – Flint House.
Not even a global pandemic could keep Jessica away from her training, climbing the stairs repeatedly during lockdown to reach the height of Snowdon, to name but one of her inventive ways to not only recover from her surgery but prepare for her trip to the Himalayas, which she had not given up on.
“It was really disheartening,” said Jessica of when she first got diagnosed and had to cancel her first trip.
“I had just got into a place where I felt I was in a really good head space, really motivated for the future and what I wanted to do.
