GP's trek for hospice

Dr Nick Newell, 51 (pictured), spent two weeks in Nepal in a bid to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice, based in Upper Maze Hill, and his friends, family and patients rallied round to help him collect £5,385.

“I had done some training up and down Fairlight Glen and on the South Downs, and I had done two treks before so I had an understanding of what to expect,” he said.

“But there are issues with altitude sickness, with the cold and at that height your taste goes. But the scenery is unbelievable with huge mountains everywhere and we only had one day of snow.”

Dr Newell’s group was accompanied by a group of 15 local Sherpas - one of whom had climbed Mount Everest itself - and the tour was organised by Community Action treks, run by Doug Scott, the first Brit to climb the world’s highest mountain, so they were in safe hands.

Dr Newell - who works in a practice in Sidley - he is well aware of the good work done by the hospice, and he said: “I want to thank everyone who sponsored me, particularly the patients, and all Highwoods Golf Club where we held a very successful golf day.”

Having now done two treks in Nepal and one in Chile for three different charities, Dr Newell is planning some well-earned time off from trekking, but he has not ruled out a similar challenge in the future.

“If my knees stand up then I am minded to do another one,” he said.