David gears up for his big trek to Everest

Great grandfather David Arran

Becoming a great grandfather has not slowed down David Arran, who is preparing for the trip-of-a-lifetime to Everest.

David, aged 72, plans to trek to base camp on the world's highest mountain in October in aid of St Ann's Hospice.

He is pounding the treadmill at the gym near his Failsworth home as he trains for the two-week 92-kilometre walk.

David said: "I may go up Mount Snowdon twice before, but it's hard to prepare for an attempt to reach Everest base camp which is 17,500 feet high.

"I'm confident I can do the trek but my main concerns will be the altitude and arriving at the tiny airport in Lukla in Nepal.

"Apparently, it's one of the world's most dangerous airports because of a short uphill runway which slows planes."

David, who has six grandchildren and a great grandson Samuel who was born in January, has regularly taken part in the Manchester Midnight Walk organised by the hospice each year.

David added: "St Ann's is a wonderful local charity which does fantastic work in the community helping patients, their families and carers with life-limiting illnesses.

"The charity relies heavily on fundraising so hopefully I can raise as much as I can through sponsorship."

David warmed up for his Himalayan trip by completing the Great Manchester 10km Run in May, though his marathon days ended due to a bad knee. 

To sponsor David, go to: give.everydayhero.com/uk/david-s-everest-base-camp-trek

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