High aspirations

An optometrist from Scotland is aiming to trek to Mt Everest Base Camp in order to raise money for Vision Aid Overseas.

Derek Michael, pictured, from James Kidner Opticians in Annan and Lockerbie, is hoping to raise £500 in a bid to help children in poverty receive access to eye tests and glasses.

Michael aims to complete the 17,600ft ascent to the base camp over nine days, starting on August 29. The father-of-two said the inspiration for the trip came from his daughter Carolyn, who challenged him to do the journey ‘before I got too old’.

He will begin his trip in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu before flying to his starting point in the Himalayas.