A DOCTOR is gearing up to tackle the ultimate climbing challenge - a 29,000ft ascent of Mount Everest.

Locum GP Dr Jonathan Salter, who lives in Knightwick, near Martley, leaves for the ten-week adventure at the beginning of April.

The 47-year-old will wave goodbye to his wife Sharon and two children, Jessica, aged 11, and Andrew, nine, and set off to join the other five members of his climbing team.

Dr Salter has been climbing for many years and he will follow in the footsteps of his brother, who has already climbed Everest.

Although the trip is costing him more than £11,000, he will be encouraging friends and colleagues to sponsor his challenge to raise funds for St Richard's Hospice.

He explained: "We are hoping to climb when there is a window of opportunity with the weather.

"At that time of year it is just after winter and just before the monsoon, so it should be relatively calm and not snowing.

"Weather is the most important factor which can affect the success of the climb.

"You can be very physically and mentally fit but if the weather is against you then reaching the 29,000ft summit may not be possible."

Dr Salter, who undertakes a major climb each year, will be the team doctor on the trip and says he needs to be prepared to deal with any condition which may occur.

The climbers will carry radios and satellite telephones as well as oxygen, and the medical kit is being sponsored by Worcester chemist Denis Ogle, of St John's.

St Richard's Hospice is currently based at Rose Hill, Worcester and offers free services to patients living with cancer and other long-term illnesses.

The new St Richard's Hospice is being built in Spetchley and is due to open for patients in the autumn.