A GARGRAVE couple are joining a group of podiatrists taking part in a fund-raising trek to Everest Base Camp at the end of this month.

Andy and Kath Lindsay plan to raise cash for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance on their journey – and raise the profile of podiatry at the same time.

Andy has a business in Skipton, whereas Kath has a clinic in Guiseley.

The couple say the trip will fulfil a lifelong ambition for them both.

They have been training over the last few months by climbing the Yorkshire three peaks, Snowdon, Tryfan, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis amongst others.

But although they have done lots of walking in this country, and some scuba diving, this will be the first time they have  trekked at altitude. 

The couple said: “We have known of a couple of people who have needed the Air Ambulance, and ne of Kath’s patients in particular was helped by them after an accident at work.  

“The trek is a life-long ambition that is at last being realised and we were, and a lot of our patients, who love to follow our adventures are totally overexcited at the prospect of the trip.

“We’d also like to try and raise the profile of our profession, podiatry.

“We find, as podiatrist, when people have a foot problem, we are not necessarily the first profession that people go to. If you have toothache you go to the dentist, eye problems the opticians, so why not podiatry when there’s a foot problem?”

The trek will be taxing due to the altitude, with a peak of just under 6000 meters on Kala Pattar, where they will hopefully watch the sunrise over Everest.

The couple have already raised more than we’ve already raised over £2700, having started out with the target of just £500.

Anyone who wants to sponsor them can go to their justgiving account on www.justgiving.com/AndyKathLindsay