CUMNOCK man Michael Kelso is aiming high in a fundraising adventure of a lifetime.

Along with Garry Robertson, he is embarking on a trek to Mount Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas — with an added ingredient.

They have opted on a longer and more challenging trail than the standard one favoured by most people tackling the daunting climb.

Their chosen route crosses three high passes, all around 18,000ft (5,500m) — Renjo La, Cho la and the Kongma La, but they are determined to succeed.

Michael said: “We fly to Kathmandu on Sunday, October 22, from Glasgow via Dublin and Abu Dhabi. The following day we fly to Lukla to begin our journey on foot.

“We also hope to ascend three peaks, Gokyo Ri, Kala Pattar and possibly Chukking Ri, a lesser known summit tucked under the imposing Lhotse-Nuptse wall.”

Sadly, Michael lost his brother Alan to Motor Neurone Disease and he and Garry are taking on the challenge to raise vitally needed funds for MND Scotland and increase awareness of the condition.

Motor Neurone Disease stops the nerve cells that control the body’s movement from sending messages to muscles. MND is often rapid and always fatal.

There is no known cure. As the disease progresses, the person will lose their ability to walk, talk and feed themselves.

Over the last few weekends, Michael and Garry have been getting in shape by taking on some of Scotland’s Munros and are pictured earlier in the year at the Central Gully on Ben Lui.

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/garry-robertson1 to make a donation to their appeal.