A COTSWOLD woman's expedition to climb Mount Everest is in doubt following a deadly avalanche which killed 16 Sherpas.

Lucy Rivers Bulkeley, who lives just outside Longborough, near Moreton, is currently at Base Camp of the world's highest mountain as she awaits a decision about whether her expedition can continue.

It has been reported there have been calls for all climbing to be suspended following last Friday's avalanche which has brought to the surface long-simmering tensions over how the government shares out millions of dollars in revenue from the annual pursuit of the Everest summit.

Miss Rivers Bulkeley, who is attempting to become the first woman to complete the 4 Desert Grand Slam and the 7 Summits, wrote on her blog this week: "A very strange couple of days. After Fridays awful accident, most of the Sherpas here headed back to their villages to spend time with their families.

"Some of the big teams have decided to cancel their season. All our Sherpas are back in camp and this morning we had our Puja.

"It was a service for those lost last week and the official blessing of all our technical kit. No decisions have been made yet but please keep all fingers and toes crossed that we are able to continue with our planned expedition."

Miss Rivers Bulkeley has already raised just under £38,0000 towards her £100,000 target for Macmillan Cancer Support. in memory of her father Johnny who lost his short battle with cancer in 2007 after becoming the first European woman to complete the 4 Desert Grand Slam in 2010.

And over the last 18 months has made the summit of Kilimanjaro, Elbrus and Aconcagua.

To sponsor her, visit justgiving.com/LucyRB.