A 22-YEAR-OLD man is setting his sights on Everest in his pledge to help sick children "live out their dream".

Former Grange town councillor, Lyndon Howson, is swapping his reception desk for ropes in his bid to help children with life-threatening illnesses achieve their dreams.

Mr Howson, who works at Lakeland Leisure Park, is hoping to fundraise £2,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through his 5,000 metre trek to Everest base camp in November.

The children’s charity is a cause which is ‘particularly special’, according to Mr Howson.

He said: “One of my friend’s young son's was ill and passed away and they went to Disneyland with the foundation in 2014.

“I think the work the charity does is amazing.

“I know that the smallest gestures can mean so much to these kids.

“It gives them that chance to live out their dream and create some happy memories.”

Mr Howson has been training for the Himalayan expedition for the past 18 months, undertaking rigorous exercise regimes and practice routes.

He said: “I’ve been going to the gym every other day and trying to complete one Wainwright a week.

“I’ve also put together an expedition plan and am going to tackle more mountains in the winter so I can prepare for the challenging climate of Everest.”

Mr Howson is taking on the mammoth fundraising trek alongside base camp tour guides, the Himalayan Wonders.

He said: “This is the highest thing I’ve climbed so far.

“I’m excited for the challenge and think it will motivate me to do more fundraising activities in the future.”

After tackling Everest base camp, Mr Howson is setting his sights on conquering the highest peak on every continent.

He said: “That’s the ultimate goal in the future but I realise it takes a lot of fundraising and preparation, it’s a future dream of mine. Everest base camp is just the beginning.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lyndonhowson18.