The excitement has been building steadily over the last few weeks and finally the expedition is under way. Earlier this week Jordan Romero, 13, set of from Everest Base Camp, trekking with his family towards the summit. They have safely reached Camp 1.

Despite the hype, Jordan’s attitude and philosophy is impressive, especially for one of such tender years: “Whether it takes a few weeks or a couple of years, I’m determined to do it.” Click on the image to hear the CNN interview he did part way up the mountain.

Jordan is no ordinary child. He has already completed five-sevenths of the fabled Seven Summits, a benchmark in the mountaineering community, and many more treks and peaks besides. If his expedition is successful he will become the youngest person ever to reach the summit of Everest, eclipsing by a few years the world record Seven Summits trek of Johnny Strange set in June last year. Strange’s “youngest ever” Seven Summits milestone will also be under threat if things go well for 13-year old Romero on this Everest trek.

We wish the Romeros the best of luck and a safe journey.

Gareth