TWO women from Wellington are due to complete the Everest base camp trek for a charity close to their hearts.

Louise Yeoman and Paula Wadham will be completing the intensive 17-day trek in Nepal for Kidney Research UK, in honour of Louise’s father who received a life-saving kidney transplant 38 years ago.

The pair have been going on training walks across Exmoor in preparation for the 80-mile trip in September.

Louise, 50, from Wellington, said: “I have always wanted to go to the Himalayas to see Mount Everest, and now I am in my 50’s I realised if I don’t go now, I may never be able to.

“When my dad had a kidney transplant, we were so thankful for the care and support he received. So I jumped at the idea of completing the trek for an organisation that saved my dad’s life.”

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease.

They estimate that more than three-million people live with the most severe stages of kidney disease in the UK.

Louise has frequently travelled and hiked abroad but says the Everest base camp trek is the one she's most nervous for.

She continued: “Because we will be over 5000 metres high up, I am nervous about suffering from altitude sickness. But I am excited, it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I could not think of a better charity to raise money for.”

Louise and Paula are paying for their own flights and for the trip, all the money raised will go directly to Kidney Research UK.

They hope to raise £1,000 towards the charity.

To donate to the fundraiser, search ‘Two Girls, One Everest. Fundraising for Kidney Research UK’ on Justgiving.com