STUDENTS at Frensham Heights School learned first-hand from BBC science presenter Greg Foot what it will be like when they climb to Everest base camp.

Ten students aged 15 to 17 from the school near Farnham have trained for 18 months for the expedition to the base of the world’s highest mountain.

They were able to talk with Greg about the effects of altitude sickness and the rigours of the route during his visit to the school’s Science and Maths week on March 12.

He told them about his own trip to Everest base camp as part of a research project run by scientists and doctors.

Using interactive experiments and videos from the hike, he explained how the body learns to cope with the lack of oxygen in the thin freezing air.

Headteacher Rick Clarke said: “We were delighted, as part of National Science Week, to welcome TV and radio presenter Greg to the school to talk about what happens to the human body at altitude.

“With a school expedition off to Everest base camp tomorrow, it was a great preparation for the trip.”

Greg is a regular on BBC science programmes and most recently presented the Radio Four programme Best Thing Since Sliced Bread.

Linn Kathenes, head of outdoor education at the school, said: “Greg has an infectious personality.

“He really brought the whole thing to life for them and drummed up the level of excitement about the trip.”

The students have been fundraising for 18 months to help pay for the expedition.

Some of the money raised will go to children’s charity ChoraChori, which supports Nepal’s displaced children. Students are set to spend a day at the refugee and rehabilitation unit run by the charity in Kathmandu.

“I am incredibly proud of these students,” said Linn. “This is a life-enhancing experience – something that they won’t ever forget.”

The group flies to Kathmandu tomorrow and will spend 19 days away. During their 12 days of actual trekking, they will reach a height of 5,346 metres at Everest base camp before pushing to a height of 5,545m above sea level at Kalaphattar and taking in stunning views of the summit of Mount Everest.

Training has involved a year-long fitness programme, including a Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, as well as medical assessments and training in health and safety.

Linn added the trip, organised through expedition experts True Adventure, showed students how to prioritise what was important in life.

“They learn how to work as a team, communicate effectively and build a sense of self-belief, while managing without the trappings or gadgets of home life,” she said.

The students themselves will handle the team’s expedition budget and they will also take it in turns to plan the daily itinerary and lead the group.

“They have to respect other people and be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses,” Linn added.