A CUMBRIAN firefighter will trek to Everest base camp to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Craig Hall, of Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, is taking on the challenge for the Fire Fighter's Charity.

The charity provides specialist, lifelong health and wellbeing support for the UK's fire service community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives. It supports serving and retired firefighters and control and support teams.

"It's always been on my bucket list as something I've wanted to do", said Craig, whose friend recently started a guiding company and will lead the trip.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me so I want to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

"I have used the charity's services twice and they are unbelievable.

"I have many colleagues who have also used the charity and without the help they received, they wouldn't have got back to work as quickly as they did.

"It's a really priceless charity and does a lot of good work."

Craig's wife benefitted from the charity's services after getting burnt in a kitchen at work and received rehab treatment in Devon.

He added: "It's not just for firefighters, it's for families. I've got three daughters and if they got seriously ill, they could go there and get some rehabilitation or physiotherapy. 

"It's there for everyone and it's all free."

The watch manager serves the Kendal and Barrow areas and will travel to Katmandu on April 26 to undertake the base camp trek.

The trek will start from Lukla and will last approximately 14 days depending on the weather and other variables.

He added: "I'm looking forward to it, I still can't believe I'm going. I turn 50 this year too so it's fallen in line.

"Hopefully, we'll get to the target and the big thing is to get up that rock and get your picture taken."

Craig, who has been with the fire service for 20 years, has raised over £1,000 so far. His target is £,5,000.

The charity, which has a centre at Jubilee House in Penrith, relies on donations to support members.

To donate to Craig's challenge, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-hall35?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=craig-hall35&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=e1fe99bc025a4ebcab618018ae319481