The aunt of a five-year-old boy from Ipswich who died of a rare form of cancer is trekking to the Everest base camp in his memory.

Ipswich Star: Five year-old Tadiwa Muparutsa from Ipswich who died in May 2013Five year-old Tadiwa Muparutsa from Ipswich who died in May 2013 (Image: Archant)

Natsai Chimbo, 27, is taking on the challenge four years after the death of her nephew Tadiwa Muparutsa whose brave battle with rhabdomyosarcoma - a soft tissue sarcoma which is diagnosed in fewer that 60 children in the UK each year - ended in May 2013.

Natsai is raising money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) who supported Tadiwa’s parents Gertrude and Farai through difficult times.

“I decided to climb Mount Everest because it is something I’ve always wanted to do but maybe felt like I wasn’t fit or brave enough,” she said.

“The experience of my nephew’s passing taught me I had to push past my boundaries because life is too short and not guaranteed.

Ipswich Star: Tadiwa's family were supported by Treehouse, EACH's hospice in IpswichTadiwa's family were supported by Treehouse, EACH's hospice in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

“I decided to let all the self doubt go and just reach towards my goals.

“Tadiwa will always be very special to our entire family and undoubtedly transformed all our lives for the better,” she added. “EACH couldn’t have been more helpful during this journey and gave us support in stressful times.

“I’d love to help other families going through difficult times.”

Natsai is spending a total of 18 days in Nepal, 13 of those spent trekking.

Ipswich Star: Natsai Chimbo with her nephew Tadiwa from Ipswich who died in May 2013Natsai Chimbo with her nephew Tadiwa from Ipswich who died in May 2013 (Image: Archant)

In preparation for her mammoth climb, the construction manager from Dartford hiked up Mount Snowdon in Wales and the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland.

“Most of the walking we’ll do on Mount Everest will feel like walking up a steep set of stairs, so I’ve taken advantage of the stairs at Lendlease were I work,” she said. “On one occasion I went up and down the stairs ten times, which equated to approximately 2,720 steps in total.”

Natsai said she had a mix of emotions ahead of the challenge but was ultimately looking forward to the life-changing experience.

“I’m so excited to see the beautiful landscape of Nepal and to meet the local people. “At the same time, I’m nervous about the amount of walking we’ll be doing and the plane landing (at Lukla Airport, a tiny and therefore dangerous runway) - I’ve watched far too many videos online.”

For more information and to support Natsai on her fundraising see here.