A DEDICATED dad is has set off on a gruelling nine-day trek to raise money for two schools in Colchester.
Ashok Thiruvengadam, who is a doctor, has two sons Sanjay, in Year 5 at Queen Boudica Primary, and Ashwin, in Year 9 at Colchester Royal Grammar School.
As fundraisers go, however, this is far from the run-of-the-mill raffle or bake sale.
Dr Thiruvengadam, who is currently on day four of his nine-day trek, is climbing to an altitude of 18,519ft to the Everest base camp, where wind chills can reach as low as -20C.
He will then spend another four days making his way back down to his starting point, a small town called Lukla, where the altitude is a relatively comfortable 9,337ft.
Although it is a daring expedition for Dr Thiruvengadam to undertake as a husband and father, his wife, Sangeetha, has fully supported him.
She said: "It was his wish to go there, and he always wanted to visit the Everest base camp.
"When my first boy joined the grammar school, he informed one of the teachers saying that he would go and raise funds for the school he promised he was going to do something for the school.
"I was a little worried at first will he be OK? He's climbing [to a high altitude base camp] and the oxygen levels are very low.
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"But my husband's wish to go to the base camp made me support him."
His exploits are understandably a huge source of pride for his two sons Sanjay and Ashwin, too.
Mrs Ashock explained the end of the school day sees her bombarded with questions from her boys, asking how their father is faring in Nepal.
"They are very, very proud," she said.
"My youngest boy will always ask 'Will he be OK?'
"They come home from school and ask if I heard from their dad, if he's OK, and how the trek is going there are lots of questions."
Dr Thiruvengadam, who is aiming to raise £1,000 in total, has received £640 in donations so far, and returns to Colchester on Monday, May 16.
Donations to Dr Thiruvengadam's can be made via www.gofundme.com/f/pf7st-everest-base-camp-trek-fundraiser.
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