GWENT man John Tinnelli is hoping to hit new fundraising heights later this year when he treks to Everest's base camp.

Now in training for the 16-day trip starting on September 30, John, 49, says £4,000 has already been pledged in sponsorship although he is aiming to break the £6,000 barrier.

People in his home village of Cwm, where he has lived since 1983, are always willing to help, said John, whose final funds tally will be split equally between the British Wheelchair Sports Association, which has organised the trip, and the Hospice of the Valleys, a cause close to Mr Tinelli's heart following his wife's death from cancer in 2000.

A veteran of two London marathons and fundraising walks and bike rides, this is the toughest challenge he has ever faced.

Mr Tinnelli, who has worked for Blaenau Gwent council as a carpenter and joiner for nearly 34 years, admitted to being "a bit nervous" about the altitude sickness but was excited all the same.

He said: "It is something new for me.

"I used to play football but found I was enjoying the training more than the playing so I took up running and, as I got older, I found it harder so I took up trekking with a bit of jogging and then I saw this challenge advertised.

"It is a chance of a lifetime to see that part of the world and raise money for good causes."