Atif to scale the heights of Everest to help floods charity

Atif Mahmood, 28, from Lidget Green, Bradford, will be one of twelve people hiking to the Base Camp of Mount Everest on an expedition organised by the charity Penny Appeal in aid of victims of the 2010 Pakistan Floods.

He said: “It has always been a secret ambition of mine to climb Mount Everest but I never thought that I would ever get the chance.

“This was one of the biggest natural disasters in recent times and it will take years for the country and its people to recover. Even now there are still thousands of homeless people without food, water, medicine or basic human necessities.

“This is a once in a lifetime experience and I feel lucky to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the adventure. I have set myself a personal fundraising target of £3,500.”

The floods of 2010 were the worst in Pakistan’s history, approximately one fifth of the land area was underwater, an area larger than the whole of England. Countless villages were completely destroyed and entire crops devastated. Twenty million people were directly affected and the death toll was close to 1800.

The trek will take place between December 2 and December 18. The team will ascend to the South Everest Base Camp which is located at a height of 5,360 metres. The route will lead them through some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. Trekkers will also get to visit the city of Katmandu and Namche Bazaar.

Adeem Younis, Chairman of UK-based Penny Appeal, said last night: “The Everest Base Camp trek is all about remembering the plight of the forgotten victims of the Pakistan floods. Through our Rebuilding Pakistan Appeal, we’re aiming to raise over £40,000 - enough money to build a small village of two-bedroom houses, as well as to construct wells and distribute much-needed aid packages.

“It’s a challenge that will leave the group with a lifetime of memories and everyone who takes part in the trek will be making a very real difference to the lives of disadvantaged people in Pakistan,” he added.

Donations are welcomed and can be made by visiting the online website address www.justgiving.com/Atif-Mahmood