Trek to help flood appeal

Chef Ifran Ashraf is set to trek up Mount Everest's foothills to raise money for Pakistani flood victims.

Ifran, 27, of Thornes, has signed up for a trek to Base Camp on the world's highest mountain in aid of the Rebuilding Pakistan Appeal.

It aims to rebuild one of countless Punjab villages swept away by the devastating floods last July which killed at least 1,700 people and displaced more than six million.

Ifran who works at Chillys takeaway and restaurant in Pontefract, has set himself a fundraising target of £4,500 for Decembers event.

He said: "Pakistan is my country of origin and, one year after the floods, people are still suffering. I helped with fundraising at the time and people were very generous.

"I'm looking forward to the long, hard challenge and I am hoping to gain new friends, new life experiences and the peace of mind that my two weeks of hardship will help those who continue to suffer through no fault of their own."

The trek will take place from December 2 to December 18.

Adeem Younis chairman of Penny Appeal, which has organised the walk, 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."

To donate to the appeal, log on to www.justgiving.com/Ifran-Ashraf