A GWENT duo are trekking to heights of 20,000 feet in the Himalayas to raise vital funds for St David’s Hospice Care.

Dilwyn Howells, co-director of Premier Forest Group in Newport, will climb to the summit of Island Peak, a mountain in Sagarmatha National Park.

He will be joined by Karl Jones, owner of Premier’s haulage partners, Karl Jones Haulage, which is based in Aberbargoed.

Having flown out to Khatmandu on April 16, the pair are currently in the middle of a seven-day trek from Lukla to the Island Peak base camp.

When they reach their destination, they will have a two-day window to reach the summit, measuring 20,305 feet high.

Speaking before they left on their challenge, Mr Howell said: “The trek is set to be a substantial physical challenge and we have been training for months in preparation.

“We’ll be walking for five to seven hours each day and we’ll be up against long and steep ascents to reach the summit.”

The pair are aiming to raise £500 for St David’s Hospice Care and are close to raising their target with 18 supporters donating up to £400 since being set up.

The Newport-based charity offers free palliative care and support to people suffering from life threatening illnesses in Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Caerphilly.

Both Mr Howells and Mr Jones said that the choice of charity was due to it being “close to their hearts” having witnessed the service it provides.

Geraint Wilson, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “It is great to see that Dilwyn and Karl are taking on this huge challenge to raise funds for us.

“We rely on the support of individuals and businesses such as these who help to keep our services and facilities running. We can’t wait to follow their journey.”

Donations for the Island Peak challenge can be made by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DilwynandKarlClimbIslandPeak.

To follow Mr Howells and Mr Jones’ journey, go to www.facebook.com/PremierForestGroup and www.facebook.com/pages/Karl-Jones-Timber-Haulage/484379368293158 respectively.