Climbing heights for Charity

A Midlands newspaper editor has so far raised almost £1,600 for charity after scaling part of Mount Everest .

Phil Hibble (pictured), who is responsible for a number of National World weeklies in Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Oxfordshire, climbed to Everest Base Camp in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust after deciding to undertake the two-week challenge after a friend’s 15-year-old son was  diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

After reaching base camp, Phil then completed his goal of summiting nearby Kala Patthar at 5,644m, which offers views of Mount Everest.

“Many people often joke that I am in shorts nearly all year round and some asked if I would be in shorts when I reached Everest Base Camp. So I took up the challenge and did exactly that. I have to admit, I only changed into shorts when I got to base camp but given that it was about -10c on the day, I think people will understand.

“It has always been a dream of mine to get to Everest Base Camp and come face-to-face with the world’s highest mountain. And as soon as I was walking among the Himalayas, I was in awe of my surroundings. The whole trip was, quite literally, breathtaking. The higher we got, the harder it got as the lack of oxygen in the air left me breathless after just a few steps. But it was as rewarding as it was challenging.

“I am so grateful to everyone who took the time to send me a supportive message or donate to the cause,: he added.

 Donations to Phil’s cause can be made here.