A KEIGHLEY man is taking on a mountainous challenge for charity.

Joe Kutny is trekking to the base camp of Everest, the world’s highest peak.

He is raising money for Manorlands, the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Joe will begin his challenge this weekend.

It is anticipated that he and fellow trekkers will take nine days to reach base camp, and four days to descend.

The camp stands at 5,500 metres above sea level, and severe altitude sickness – combined with camping in sub-zero temperatures – prevents many people achieving their goal.

“It will be a very tough challenge but I want to raise as much as possible,” said Joe.

“Manorlands provides incredible care for patients and their families, both at the hospice and out in the community.

“Any support people can give would be very much appreciated.”

Joe has set-up an online fundraising page, at justgiving.com/fundraising/joe-kutny-everestbasecamptrek, with the aim of coining-in £2,000.

The trek is organised by Discover Adventure.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.