Shropshire's Gareth heading for roof of the world
It's a long way from the rolling hills of Shropshire. But Gareth Douglas has his eyes set on the adventure of a lifetime – with the aim of climbing Mount Everest.
The amateur mountaineer will be swapping Clee Hill for the Himalayas when he tackles the world's highest mountain.
He will join a team of six climbers and three Sherpas for the challenge.
The 36-year-old from Bridgnorth will begin using the North Ridge Route from Tibet to the peak of the mountain, which stands at more than 29,000 feet. The team will be following the same route as Sir Edmund Hillary, who in 1953 became the first climber to reach the summit.
The party leaves on March 28 and expects to take 70 days to reach the top.
Gareth, who went to William Brookes School in Much Wenlock, said: "I am incredibly driven and determined, extremely fit and very positive.
"I have no doubt climbing Mount Everest is going to test me to the limit but this is a life's dream coming to fruition.
"It's going to be a challenge but I'm a pretty determined person and overall I'm really looking forward to it.
"I know I'll be going through hell at times and it will get quite uncomfortable."
Gareth has climbed some of the world's most challenging peaks – but says his training has also involved hours of walking in Shropshire's Clee Hills.
