A FINANCIAL advisor is hoping to boost a charity's coffers with his latest challenge.

David Knight plans to trek through the Himalayan mountains in October in aid of a national cancer charity.

Mr Knight, of Bloomesley Close, Newton Aycliffe, has volunteered to take part in Macmillan Cancer Support's Nepal Hiking Challenge.

During the 11-day trek, he will be part of a team of 60 charity hikers aiming to complete the route through the Annapurna region.

Organisers promise the trek will include visits to temples, terraced fields, rhododendron forests, hillside villages and views of the great peaks and glaciers of the Himalayas.

But it will also mean a gruelling trek across steep mountain passes, camping in remote locations and adjusting to changes in climate and elevations up to 2,500m.

Mr Knight, 50, needs to raise at least £3,200 to take part in the event and will meet the administration costs himself.

The trek is not the first charity challenge he has taken part in.

He walked the Inca Trail, in Peru, in 2004, and the Grand Canyon Challenge Trek, in the US, in 2006. Together, they raised more than £12,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

He said: "Macmillan Cancer Support is an extremely worthwhile cause.

"With four in ten people affected by cancer at some point in their lives and with nearly 750 new cases diagnosed each day, the need for Macmillan nurses, doctors and care facilities is now greater than ever.

"I did some research before deciding which charity to support and realised that some don't actually need the money, but every penny donated to Macmillan is spent straight away.

"I am proud to be associated with such a worthwhile cause."

Mr Knight is training at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre and walks with friends.

He said the support of his wife, Vivienne, and seven-year-old daughter, Kirsty, would spur him on during the trek.

For details or to support Mr Knight visit www.macmill an.org.uk, email david.knight@ pace-financialsolutions.co.uk or call 01325-300914 (home) or 01388- 458919 (work).