A FITNESS fanatic is set to embark on an 18-day mountain trek after being diagnosed with a crippling condition.

Emmie Brown, 26, from Basildon, will travel through beautiful valleys, dense forests and rivers on her amazing journey to Mount Everest’s base camp.

During her intense challenge in the Himalayas, which will see her trekking for seven hours a day, she will explore the culture of Nepal and spend time in the hectic capital of Kathmandu.

Emmie, who works as a marketing executive at outdoor clothes firm Musto, based in Laindon, hopes to raise at least £3,700 for charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

In January 2011, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, which means the bowel becomes inflamed and ulcers develop on the colon’s lining.

The condition results in severe stomach pain and a constant need to go to the toilet.

Emmie said: “This condition rocked both mine and my family’s world. I had to learn to live with a crippling condition and all the humiliating effects.

“I had to learn to manage and control it through various diet changes and forms of medication.

“Since being diagnosed, I have always vowed to never let the condition hold me back and control my life.

“In that time, I have worked hard at my career, purchased my house and competed internationally in karate. This is my next big feat, proving I can control my body.”

Emmie will leave all luxuries behind when she sets off in October next year.

The challenge is set to push her to the limits. For startes, she will be carrying a 12kg backbag containing a pair of trousers, a pair of shorts, one pair of thermals to sleep in and one warm and waterproof coat.

More than 260,000 people in Britain have crohn’s and colitis, and Emmie hopes her gruelling trip will raise awareness of the conditions, and valuable cash to fund research into a cure.

To sponsor Emmie, visit www.justgiving.com/EmmieBrown