A PILOT from RAF Leeming is swapping his aircraft for walking boots later this month when he sets off on a charity trek among the highest mountains in the world.
Flt Lt Greg House is making the most of some extra summer leave to take part in the organised Himalayan trek and raise much-needed funds for schools in the UK and the Himalayas at the same time.
The 27-day high altitude trek is a dream come true for the flying instructor. "I have never done anything like this before but I have always wanted to," said Flt Lt House.
"I'm a lit bit nervous about going, but I would be foolish not to be – you have to have respect for the altitude because it affects people in different ways. I will be climbing passes up to about 17,000ft without oxygen and visiting areas that only about 1,000 trekkers get to each year. "
Money raised will be split between Cundall Manor School, near Thirsk, and a Himalayan Buddhist school in Manali.
Flt Lt House, who has two children at Cundall, said: "Cundall Manor has some Portakabins which are old and expensive to run, and they need the money for a new build. The Himalayan school is in a very remote area – the children board there and go home in the summer when the pass is open. It is based on preserving and promoting the traditional cultural heritage region as well as teaching all the usual subjects."
Anyone wishing to donate towards Flt Lt House's charity trek can do so at
www.justgiving.com.
The full article contains 273 words and appears in Ripon Gazette newspaper.
