Mount Everest adventure awaits Highland men raising funds for hospice
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The roof of the world beckons for two Highland men after they set their sights on hiking in the Himalayas to raise funds for charity.
David Philips and Ryan Mann, who have known each other since childhood, plan to set off for Everest Base Camp next year, trekking from Lukla to Everest before taking on the summit of Kala Patthar – with funds raised from their epic adventure going towards the Highland Hospice.
The duo, who both come from Inverness, set to jet off to Nepal on February 22 for an 18-day challenge that they are "both buzzing for!"
And they are hopeful of smashing their target of £10,000, with the pair having already raised £8600 towards their goal with months still to go.
Related: Success of Highland Hospice partnership working celebrated in report
"We're hoping to smash our target to help raise awareness and support for this great charity along the way," said Ryan, who originally comes from Lochardil and now lives in Milton of Leys.
He works overseas on a drill ship as a chief technician and has two daughters, Brooke (12) and Lacey (15).
Ryan continued: "Going to base camp and Nepal region has been a dream of mine for such a long time, and when my friend David asked if i'd like to join him and help raise money for such a great cause, my answer was simple... where do I sign up!!!
"The challenge will see us hike daily in difficult climates and at altitudes that make simple trekking very difficult. Once we reach Everest Base Camp we will then prepare to summit Kala Patthar (5545m), a mighty peak with incredible views over to Everest (8848m) – can’t wait for this challenge!
"I also have two amazing girls that have a passion for adventure, this challenge of reaching base camp of our planets highest peak is a great way of showing them and everyone else, that anything is possible if you work hard and put your mind to it!"
David, who originally hails from the Drakies area and now lives in Nairnshire, works as the regional manager for Asda.
He said: "This will be my third and biggest challenge yet fundraising for the Highland Hospice.
"Going to Nepal / Mount Everest has been a dream of mine since I was very young. The challenge itself will see us hike daily in an amazing difficult climate and at altitudes I’ve not experienced before. I can’t wait for this challenge and the training for it.
"I have just recently had a daughter to be able to show her one day that her dad has fundraised for a great cause again and got to base camp of the highest mountain in the world before summiting a peak in this region would be incredible, a great example to her of what can be done when you set your sights on something.
"Ben Nevis the highest mountain in the UK at 1345 metres matches the altitude of Kathmandu… and that’s the starting point."
To donate to the pair's fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/David-Philips2.
