Dave reaches high for charity (From Gazette Series)

Dave reaches high for charity

A WOTTON man has just returned from a memorable expedition.

Inspired by his life-long fascination with Mount Everest and seizing the chance of a relatively cheap way of getting there, Dave Draisey, from Berkeley Close, became part of the 'Everest Challenge' - a 14-day trek through the Himalayas, culminating in the ascent of Kala Pattar (5,545 metres) to view Everest.

"I do also believe strongly in giving something back to society, helping those who need support due to their disability," Dave added.

The challenge was in aid of Scope, the charity for people with cerebral palsy.

Dave Draisey had set himself a target of raising £3,500 through sponsorship - he actually reached £5,300, and the total group sponsorship amounted to almost £120,000.

Mr Draisey, who runs his own printing company, had not been away from his wife Pauline for such a long time. The couple celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary on his return.

He said: "Being away from your family is the single hardest thing to cope with, particularly of course being so far away with no contact whatsoever."

Altitude sickness was also difficult to cope with, but there were many compensations.

Mr Draisey said: "High points of the trip included flying through the clouds in a 16-seat aircraft, arriving above cloud level to a view of white topped Himalayas as far as the eye could see.

"To wake each morning to a completely different landscape, with perfect blue skies and mountain after mountain, was also breathtaking."

He also spoke of the mountains, drawing him in, leaving him a different person and he is enthusiastic about returning.

In the meantime he acknowledges all his supporters, particularly Tortworth Court Four Pilars Hotel gym, Wotton Lions and The Swan Hotel, Bristol, which alone raised £800.