AN intrepid Redditch duo have been trekking the Himalayas on a fund raising mission – so far raising almost £7,000 for a cause close to their hearts.
Chris Thomas and Steve Betteridge, both of whom work for Church Hill Big Local, flew out October 4 for a 10-day trek to conquer the Annapurna region of the World’s biggest mountain range.
The daunting trip was all in aid of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation – and the cause proved to be a real source of inspiration on the challenging trip.
“It was a challenge, especially the first couple of days when we were climbing in approximately 30 degree heat,” said Chris.
“But it was a fantastic experience in what is a beautiful part of the world and we met some great people.
“We really want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us and donated money towards the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation charity, it has been incredible and helped inspire us along the way.”
Roy Castle was a famous entertainer who in 1994 died from cancer caused by passive smoking – and a similar fate befell Chris’s dad, Terry.
It had started with a pain in his back, which at first was put down to him overdoing it building a garden shed.
However his condition didn’t improve, and it was too late when they discovered the real cause of his ill health, lung cancer.
Chris and Steve successfully completed the trek, arriving home on October 15, having done their best to help the charity, the only one dedicated to eradicating lung cancer.
Landscape gardener Steve added: “Everyone seems to give to the big charities and forget about the little ones but we’re doing this in memory of Chris’s dad and to raise the profile of this particular charity,”
The community has rallied round too with their target being smashed helped by a clairvoyant night at Cutting Edge hairdressers in Church Hill which raised £1,700 alone.
To support Chris and Steve retrospecitvely, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chrisandstevehimalayatrek
