CLIMBING Everest to raise funds for St Richard's Hospice is the challenge facing a Knightwick doctor.

Jonathan Salter, 47, a locum GP, leaves in April to join five other members of his climbing team for the ten-week trek.

Dr Salter has been climbing for many years and will follow in the footsteps of his brother, who has already climbed the 29,000ft peak.

Dr Salter will be the team doctor on the trip and says he needs to be prepared to deal with any condition that may occur.

Team climbers carry radios and satellite telephones, as well as oxygen.

Although the adventure will cost him more than £11,000, Dr Salter will be encouraging friends and colleagues to sponsor his challenge to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

He undertakes a major climb each year and his previous adventures include conquering Mt Aconcagua in the Andes, the highest mountain in the Americas.

"I did some climbing while working in Australia and raised funds for my local hospice there," said Dr Salter.

I believe hospice care makes a huge difference for those patients that experience it and I'm hoping to raise as much money as possible for St Richard's."