One-time keen mountaineer Jonathan Edwards is undaunted by trekking in Nepal.
His biggest challenge since February has been avoiding alcohol in preparation for the 12-day trip starting on Saturday (Nov 9).
The medical writer is part of a five-strong group raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.
Two days helping a hospice project in Kathmandu is followed by a tough five-day trek with stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range.
Jonathan, from Macclesfield, said: “My wife Verity saw the trip on the Hospice’s Facebook page and I’ve always wanted to visit Nepal, but was going to wait until my 50th next year.
“I enjoyed mountaineering before our children Molly and George were born so won’t be out of my comfort zone, but staying off alcohol has been difficult.”
He is fundraising in memory of Verity’s stepfather David White who died of prostate cancer last year and was cared for by the Hospice.
The family has raised £2,500, including £500 from a music night at the Wharf pub, supported by Macclesfield musicians, and Jonathan ran the Coniston half marathon.
At 70, Helen Connolly is the oldest hiker. Sister-in-law Sheila Kirk, from Prestbury, fundraises for the Hospice and alerted her to the trip via social media. Helen walked in Machu Picchu and Costa Rica several years ago.
Sherry Daniels, who ran a salon in Marton, enjoys mountaineering and is fundraising in memory of late friends, including Pip Roberts, a Hospice patient.
The party also includes Hospice staff members Sarah Dale and Louise Delany.