London trekkers take on Everest Base Camp Challenge for charity

Two London-based trekkers will be pulling on their walking boots for a good cause this December.

Irfana Tallat and Mohamed Poonawala have signed up for a trek to Base Camp on the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. The 16-day event is in aid of Penny Appeal's Rebuilding Pakistan Appeal, which aims to rebuild the village of Kamar Mashani in the Punjab region of Pakistan following the devastating floods in 2010.

Countless villages in the region were swept away during the disaster that followed the heavy monsoon rains in July last year, 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."

Mohamed, a financial consultant from Rayners Lane, said: "I decided to take on the Everest Challenge for two main reasons: firstly, the families of Pakistan have nowhere near recovered from the devastating floods of 2010 and a whole lot more still needs to be done to get them back on track. Secondly, because of the title, it's a challenge! The majority of my preparation will involve cap-in-hand fundraising up until December as well as walking, walking and more walking!

"I am most looking forward to getting that first glimpse of Mount Everest, as well as seeing the results of the fundraising effort from the team. I hope to gain a whole lot of humility and some great new friends from the experience."

Irfana and Mohamed are part of a 13-strong team of volunteers from across England, all of whom have generously dedicated their time and effort to raising vital funds to help the flood victims in Pakistan.

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 Challenge 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. Irfana has set herself a minimum fundraising target of £3,450 and Mohamed's fundraising target is £5,000. Donations are welcomed and can be made at www.justgiving.com/Irfana-Tallat and www.justgiving.com/Mohamed-Poonawala.

"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. Please give these brave volunteers your support."