Taking challenges in their stride (From The Northern Echo)

Taking challenges in their stride

4:44pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in Middlesbrough News

A CADET has his sights set on climbing the Himalayas after being chosen to take part in an expedition.

Aedan Moloney, 17, a cadet at 1869 (Middlesbrough) Squadron Air Training Corps, is one of 19 trainees and six adult instructors from across the region who will take part in the adventure after undergoing a rigorous assessment process.

Departing at the end of July, Aedan will spend four weeks trekking in the Nepalese Himalaya from Jiri, passing Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and finally to Gorak Shep, where the team will make the final ascent to Kala Patthar, just under 6,000 metres high.

From Kala Patthar they will be able to see Mount Everest, the surrounding peaks and the Khumbu Glacier, and will be above Everest Base Camp 4.

Aedan, who needs to raise more than £1,200 to help fund the trip, said: “This is a oncein- a-lifetime opportunity, and I can’t believe that in just under six months’ time I’m going to be in the heart of the world’s highest mountain range, trekking across an unbelievable landscape in what could be quite harsh conditions – even in summer the temperatures can reach -10C overnight.”

To donate money towards Aedan’s expedition, call Col Fuller on 01377-253548 or email difuller@hsyacf.org.uk 􀁧 Charity trekkers heading to Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for a children’s autism charity enjoyed a final banquet before putting on their walking boots.

The 15 men and women, taking part in the expedition to climb the 19,000ft Tanzania mountain on behalf of Daisy Chain charity in Norton, near Stockton, enjoyed a threecourse meal with friends and family as a farewell.

The trekkers, who then flew out on Saturday, have already raised more than £20,000.

Father-of-one Kevin Green, 44, from Billingham, is a member of Friends of Daisy Chain. He said: “I have always been an avid supporter of the charity because it does so much for families across the region.”