The story of Embrace’s young ambassador Rhys Dickinson is set to feature in a new TV documentary.

Film agency Cambridge Filmworks will chart Rhys’s epic and emotional journey as he takes on the challenge of a lifetime for the charity – an extreme and adrenalin-fulled trek to the roof the world, culminating at Everest Base Camp.

Rhys, 23, a postgraduate student from Essex, suffered years of physical and sexual abuse as a child and was supported by Embrace through his recovery.

Now an avid fund-raiser and advocate for victims of childhood abuse, he has recently been appointed by Embrace as the charity’s youngest ever Board member.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Nepalese Himalayas, the film will tell his inspirational story as he treks with a group of Embrace charity fund-raisers to the highest point on earth.

“I want other young people who have suffered as I did to know that they can overcome their past and succeed. If my story helps even one person then it will be worthwhile,” he said.

Chief Executive Anne Campbell said Rhys’ role and forthcoming trek will further raise the voice for all young people impacted by crime.

“Rhys has overcome so much in his life through his own hard work and tenacity. He is an immense asset to our charity work and we know his outlook and experiences will fresh insight and challenge.

“His compelling story, documented by an innovative film crew, we have no doubt will further advance the voice for child victims of crime everywhere.”

Embrace now supports more than 3,000 children and families affected by serious crime each year and operates in all parts of the UK and Northern Ireland, providing a range of therapeutic support.

Rich Millen from Cambridge Filmworks, a film and digital agency based in Cambridgeshire, said: “We are really excited to be a part of this fantastic expedition. Having been to Everest Base Camp on the north side of the mountain we know just how challenging the trek will be but also how rewarding,” he said.

“This will be a genuine heart on the sleeve documentary tackling issues of crime, child abuse and the heart breaking damage it causes to young people and their families.”

The trek also includes members from Embrace’s charity partner Merlin’s Magic Wand which, each year, provides hundreds of free tickets to Embrace for families to enjoy time together at the UK’s top theme parks.

More about Rhys, including his preparations and details of how to support his charity trek, can be found in his blog Rhys’s Story

* Two places remain for the trek, which takes place between 2 and 21 November. For more information or to register visit https://embracecvoc.org.uk/everest/