Climbing Mount Everest for Rochdale Gateway Leisure

Mike Hudson and Ted Archibald (both pictured) will travel to Nepal with Ged Morley on 15 March before undertaking the Everest Base Camp challenge

Three local men will attempt to reach Mount Everest Base Camp this month to raise money for Rochdale Gateway Leisure.

Ged Morley, Mike Hudson and Ted Archibald will travel to Nepal on 15 March before undertaking the Everest Base Camp challenge, which could see them reach heights of more than 18,000 feet.

The trio are all keen walkers and have trained hard in preparation for the trip, which was originally planned for April 2020 before being cancelled due to the pandemic.

A further five cancelled trips later and the adventure is back on. The trip will take 17 days to fully complete and the trio will endure cold weather of up to minus 15 degrees Celsius.

Ged, who works in the operating theatre at Rochdale Infirmary, commented: "We have done lots of mountains together over the years with lots of challenges like the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Snowdon twice in a day to prepare for Everest.

"We have taken a strict training session in preparation with lots of cardio, weights and walking involved."

The money raised from the trip will go to Rochdale Gateway Leisure, a charitable organisation which provides adults with physical and learning difficulties a place to go and interact with each other in a safe and friendly environment.

The trio are aiming to raise £5,000 to fund a new sensory room at Gateway Leisure, which will provide a range of equipment to gently stimulate the senses of those with learning difficulties.

"We are very committed to try and raise money for the Gateway Leisure Centre and adult disabilities for equipment for their sensory room. A colleague's son attends Strive day centre within Rochdale Gateway Leisure, and he is our motivation," Ged added.

Donations can be made via the Gateway Leisure website.