A WHITTLE Hall man is to trek through the Himalayas to raise money for a cancer charity.

Paul Ewer, aged 37, of Swaledale Close, will be hiking at altitudes of up to 3,800 feet through the spectacular scenery of Nepal to give a boost to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

And he has already raised around £1,400 for the project by passing round football cards among his friends, family and work colleagues.

Stephen Tongue, of Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: "Paul is modest about his fundraising. The trek takes place next February, so to have raised so much at this stage is a remarkable achievement."

Paul is equally modest about his preparation for the trip, which will see him travel through deep forests and high alpine pastures.

He said: "I wouldn't say I'm working hard. I head down to the gym a couple of times a week and that's about all."

He added: "In the past I have done parachute jumps, the Dublin Dash and abseiled to raise money, and I am really looking forward to the trek."

All the money Paul collects will help fund Marie Curie Cancer Care's nursing service, which last year provided more than 70,000 hours of care to patients across the north west.

The charity provides free nursing care to give terminally ill people the choice to die at home, supported by their families.

Paul is aiming to reach a total fundraising target of around £2,700.

If you would like to sponsor him, visit www.justgiving.com/nepaul.

To find out more about fundraising for Marie Curie Cancer Care, call Stephen Tongue on 0161 255 2805 or 07798 638 127.