THE North Ayrshire Foodbank are hosting a fundraising film night to promote a wonderful couple who will be walking to the Base Camp of Mount Everest to raise funds for the charity.

Peter and Miriam Hall will travel to Kathmandu in Nepal this November then onto Lukla to begin the arduous journey to Everest Base Camp. The couple are funding the trip from their own resources but hope that other people will support them in their efforts by making a donation to North Ayrshire Foodbank.

Miriam, who works as a solicitor in Kilmarnock said: “We will be walking from Lukla to Base Camp and then on to the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Kala Pattar and Cho La Pass. It is a gruelling trek which will challenge us both physically and mentally.

“We selected the expedition provider on the basis of its ethical commitments - they pay the Sherpas and guides a proper wage, and they support learning and education initiatives in Nepal. We also aim to be as green as possible and will be carrying a portable solar panel to use for our electrical requirements.”

Husband Peter added: “This will be a huge challenge for us, and we are conscious that many people who undertake this trek are forced to drop out because they are unable to acclimatise to the low oxygen levels at such high altitudes.

Although we are both experienced hill walkers, we have never undertaken a trek like this before, but we fully intend to give it our best shot and complete the expedition”

The couple will be giving a presentation at the Mobile Cinema in the Ardrossan Church of the Nazarene on the evening of the October 20 starting at 6pm. Thanks to the support of the Ayrshire Sikh Association the evening will start with a sampling of authentic Nepalese food followed by Peter and Miriam’s talk with the evening closing with a special showing of the “Everest” movie.

Craig Crosthwaite from the Foodbank added: “An open invitation is extended to our communities and supporters to come and meet our intrepid explorers to hear more about their motivations, preparations and expectations as well as giving supporters an opportunity to ask questions and donate to their fundraising for the Foodbank. To help with catering places can be reserved on the eventbrite.com but we also welcome people dropping in if they are unable to access the internet.

“If interested individuals cannot attend the event we would appreciate them visiting the Mydonate page which gives loads of information, where they can also contribute to the Foodbanks work - https://mydonate.bt.com/events/miriamstrek/445224.

“The Foodbanks associated news page has also got loads of good information on the route with images showing the type of terrain challenging Peter and Miriam - https://itslocal.news/appeals/west-kilbride-couples-trek-to-everest-base-camp/.”