Ayr man's journey to the top of the world

Oct 31 2008

HE admits it’s a dangerous challenge.

The effects of altitude and mountain sickness are potentially fatal.

But William Davidson can’t wait to tackle one of life’s toughest tasks.

The charity worker is heading on a 120km trek to Mount Everest’s base camp.

And it’s all because he turned down EASIER challenges to put himself through the mill.

William, who works for a housing project helping young people, will take on the 19-day challenge next week.

He admitted: “It’s going to be very tough and I’ll be walking pretty much non-stop in some extreme conditions.

“At our highest we’ll be going to 19,500 feet and your body gets tested with things like altitude and mountain sickness.

“They’re potentially fatal so I’ll have to acclimatise quickly, but for me it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

“I’m going with 15 other people and I don’t know any of them, but I’m sure I’ll make friends fast.”

William, of Ayr, is raising cash for Quarriers, the charity he works for helping vulnerable people in their own homes.

He’s already raised nearly £4,000 and admits he turned down the chance to make the money doing something easier.

The trek will visit Buddhist and Hindu monasteries, shrines and Himalayan glaciers.

William, 31, revealed: “There were options to head for Peru or the Wall of China where it would have been warm and sunny.

“I could have chosen that and although nobody else I know would want to do this, I love the challenge.

“I’ve had a lot of support so far from local business and there’s still money coming in.”

To pledge support to William, donations can be made by calling his office on 01292 288141.