Batley trekkers make up one quarter of Everest Base Camp Challenge team

Another intrepid trekker from Batley is preparing for Mount Everest!

Shaazia Usman will join local husband-and-wife team, Irfan Iqbal and Zakia Younis Iqbal, and nine other brave volunteers from across the UK on a trek to Base Camp on Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, this December.

Shaazia and her fellow trekkers will be taking part in the Everest Base Camp Challenge in aid of Penny Appeal's Rebuilding Pakistan Appeal, which aims to rebuild the village of Kamar Mashani in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Countless villages in the region were swept away by the devastating floods that followed the heavy monsoon rains in July 2010, and which killed at least 1,700 people and displaced over six million others.

Shaazia, a 22-year old social worker, commented: "I work with some of the most vulnerable people in society and I have chosen to do this trek to raise money that will rebuild the lives of vulnerable people in Pakistan. Because of the floods, even their most basic needs are not being met.

"The reassurance that the money raised will be going where it is needed most is spurring me on to prepare for the trek. This is something completely different for me and it will be a challenge in every aspect. But the benefits of raising awareness for this cause will give me the strength to get through it."

Everest's South Base Camp in Nepal poses a serious challenge for even experienced walkers but, at 5,36metres, the team will experience breathtaking panoramic views that take in eight of the world's highest mountains, ensuring that the trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The trek takes place from 2nd to 18th December 2011.

Adeem Younis, Chairman of UK-based charity Penny Appeal, commented: "We are so grateful to our team of trekkers who are giving up 16 days of their time to help the forgotten victims of the Pakistan floods. We're aiming to raise over £40,000 - enough money to build a small village of two-bedroom houses, as well as to construct wells and distribute much-needed aid packages."

Shaazia Usman has set herself a fundraising target of £3,450. Donations are welcomed and can be made at www.justgiving.com/Shaazia-Usman.

"It's a challenge that will leave the group with a lifetime of memories," added Adeem Younis, "and everyone who takes part, as well as everyone that sponsors the team, will be making a very real difference to the lives of disadvantaged people in Pakistan."