Local trekker prepares for Everest Base Camp Challenge

 
An intrepid trekker from Hounslow is preparing for Mount Everest.

Irfana Tallat has signed up for a trek to Base Camp on the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, 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.

Irfana, a Geoscientist from Hounslow, commented: "Following the disaster in Pakistan, I felt inspired by stories in the press about people who had launched their own charitable campaigns to raise money, and also by the people who actually went out to the flooded region to assist in donating food and medical supplies to the victims. That's why I'm doing the trek. Also, I feel that my late father would have been proud of me for putting myself forward for this challenge."

At 5,36metres, the Everest South Base Camp in Nepal offers a serious challenge for even experienced walkers, but the breathtaking panoramic views that take in eight of the world's highest mountains will make the trek a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Adeem Younis, Chairman of UK-based Penny Appeal, said: "The Everest Base Camp trek is all about remembering the plight of 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."

The charity trek takes place from 2nd to 18th December 2011 and Irfana Tallat has set herself a fundraising target of £3,500. Donations are welcomed and can be made at: www.justgiving.com/Irfana-Tallat

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