DOCTOR Stephen Lumb is facing the greatest challenge of his life.

With 79 other international runners, he is competing in next month's gruelling Everest marathon.

The 46-year-old GP, from Stanhope, in Weardale, County Durham, will cover the 26-mile course, the highest in the world, over snow and ice-covered slopes at almost 18,000ft above sea level.

Dr Lumb secured a place because he is an experienced fell runner and because he volunteered to be one of the four-man medical team that will be looking after the runners.

He said: "Apart from being a great adventure, this promises to be the experience of a lifetime.

"The hardest part will be coping with the altitude. Even fastening your shoelaces can take ages. And the temperature will be about minus 25 degrees."

He will man the first post at the start of the marathon, near Everest base camp, and will follow the runners down with his medical kit.

He will then hand over to the next member of the medical team medic and continue the race.

Dr Lumb, a fell-runner for more than 17 years, has paid for his trip to Nepal.

He said: "Just to have taken part and to have completed what is the most difficult marathon run in the world will be enough."

The 80 international runners will be joined by Nepalese athletes and a team of Gurkhas for the marathon on November 23. Dr Lumb leaves for Nepal on Tuesday, November 4.

The marathon is organised by Bufo Ventures, which runs a charity aiming to improve healthcare in Nepal. Anyone wishing to sponsor Dr Lumb can call him on (01388) 527125.