Bailey's Everest trek raises almost £5k for charities

Walmer Bridge engineer Bailey Gaw has raised almost £5,000 for two charities close to his heart after joining a “life-changing” Himalayan expedition, which took him beyond his goal of reaching Everest Base Camp

- By Julie Frankland Contributor

Bailey (23), who works for Leyland Trucks, trekked on to summit Mount Kala Patthar, which at 18,514ft (5,645m) rises almost 1,000ft above base camp, which sits at 17,598ft (5,364m).

Bailey, whose climb was sponsored by family and friends, also crossed Hillary Bridge, one of the tallest suspension bridges in Nepal, which is named after Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary and spans the Bhotekoshi River.

Of his adventure, Bailey said: "The experience was both mentally and physically tough but overall so rewarding. The snow-capped mountains slowly getting closer and closer day by day and meeting the local people on the way was cool.