AN avid supporter of Cancer Research Wales who cycled from Vietnam to Cambodia last year will be taking on a trek to Everest Base Camp.

Mike Gahan, who is from Undy, Monmouthshire, is ready to conquer another challenge for Cancer Research Wales, having already completing a sizzling hot cycle from Vietnam to Cambodia last year.

He will now swap his bike and hot weather for thermals and freezing temperatures to combat the Everest Base Camp, which will take place between 8th and 25th March this year.

The Everest Base Camp is a trek around the beautiful surroundings of the Himalayas at altitudes as high as 5,500m and temperatures as low as -60°C. There is an 18 day itinerary which allows for time to explore the surroundings prior to taking on the 120km trek. However, the trek can feel like a lot more than 120km, with rough conditions, high altitudes and lack of oxygen. The highest and most challenging point of the trek will be the summit of Kala Patthar, which sits at 5,545m high and has oxygen levels that will be half of those at sea level, with high risk of altitude sickness.

Speaking about his challenge, Mike said: “So, after trying to cook myself in the heat cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia last year, I am now planning to freeze on a high-altitude trek to Everest Base Camp – clearly the cycling thing wasn’t challenging enough!

“I have always had a love for mountains and as Everest is the highest in the world, it is a real bucket list adventure for me. Unfortunately, I don’t have the climbing abilities to go all the way to the summit, but never say never.”

Mike has been training non-stop for the climb, including winter walks in the Brecon Beacons, hours in the gym and lots of running in between, and he has already dropped half a stone since he has started training.