A BANKER has achieved the ambition of a lifetime by climbing to Everest base camp with a pal.

Chris Turner, who lives just outside Malpas, went with friend Mervyn Hughes. Between them they also aim to raise £50,000 for Cancer Research and the RNLI.

Chris, director of the Bank of Scotland’s leisure business within dealer finance, turned 50 this year – the trip was a belated birthday present.

He said: “I would not say it was a life-changing experience but to be able to achieve a lifetime’s dream and stand at the centre of base camp where all the expeditions, including Sir Edmund Hillary, started from, was awe-inspiring.”

An avid walker, Chris trained hard in the gym in preparation before joining 14 others on the 19-day trip which involved walking several hours a day over icy and rocky terrain.

Chris said it was a real eye-opener to learn how the porters, who carried most of the provisions, earned the equivalent of just £1.70 a day but took “real pride” in their work.

Donations can be made by contacting Chris Turner at Bank of Scotland in Speke or Mervyn Hughes at Salop Caravans, Cosford. Alternatively, email Chris: chris.turner@capitalbank.co.uk