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I?ve just come out of the London Clinic lab at The Summit Hotel in Kathmandu, where I?ve had the first of a series of in-depth medical tests which involved an intensive exercise bike test, a spirometry examination that measures lung function and finally blood samples.

Along with 203 other members of the public who have volunteered to assist The UCL medical team, I will have these detailed tests a total of four times in Nepal at various degrees of altitude. Kathmandu is at 1,300 metres and other experiments take place at Namche Bazaar (3,450 m), Dingboche (4,410 m) and finally at Everest Base Camp (5,300 m).

Having had the tests myself, I realize the effort that many of the other volunteers are making. They take a while to complete and aren?t ideal for those scared of needles but as it is all for such a good cause it is easy to forget the inconvenience.

I?ve just seen a group who?ve returned from their three week trek and for a moment thought I was supporting Red Nose Day. Their shredded noses were bright red serving as a reminder of the hazards of sunshine at this altitude.

I and fellow volunteer, my brother Brian have never visited Nepal before and couldn?t resist the opportunity to explore at a higher altitude than Everest Base Camp. The climbing logistics company, Jagged Globe, disallow anyone other than experienced high altitude climbers to even think about summiting Everest but have given us a tough challenge ? the opportunity to climb Lobuje East.

This is a substantial Himalayan peak, at 6,119 m (over 20,000 ft in real money), which has amazing views of Everest from its summit, which is reached via narrow and steep, inclines that will put our climbing skills to the test. We?ve both had training which made us realize that exposure to heights is something we need to carefully manage.

Luckily we are in safe hands as our expedition leader is a feisty New Zealander, Lydia Bradey, who in 1988 became the first Australasian woman to summit Everest without oxygen. This is an incredible feat as there is a third less available oxygen at the summit than at sea level.

Even though she?s one of the world?s most experienced Himalyan climbers, she hasn?t yet been to Lobuje East, so she is looking forward to it as much as we are. For us, it will be our first summit of a substantial peak and a great way to make the most of our time in Nepal and celebrate the end of our own medical tests.

I have to confess that sorting out the substantial kit we need has created some stress. Just before I left the UK I finally found a wonderful pair of climbing boots but they are too large for any standard-sized crampons. Luckily it is easier to buy crampons in Kathmandu than highly technical boots, so I should be fine after a last-minute dash to the city. Early tomorrow morning we fly to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu.

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Blog by John Caudwell