Joshua, 12, tackles a Himalayan challenge

Joshua: trekking up Everest for charity

A THRILL-seeking 12-year-old boy is trekking nearly 18,000ft up Mount Everest for charity.

Joshua Ward - whose family is originally from Oldham - will be tackling the Everest Base Camp trek, which is one of the most popular routes in the Himalayas.

He will ascend to the South Base Camp in Nepal at 17,598ft with dad Barry (35) and mum Katie (32) tomorrow to help raise money for a British Army-built orphanage in Kathmandu, where Josh has lived along with his seven-year-old brother, Casey, for two years.

Dad Barry went to Breezehill School and lived in Delph for over 30 years before joining the Army, which he left last year. Katie remains an Army sergeant.

Their job means the family moves around every so often — in July they will be swapping the Himalayas for Nottingham.

Josh a keen swimmer, will stay at the base camp until April 16 before making his way home. He has been training non-stop for the gruelling trek.

Grandmother Julie Ward (55), from Abbeyhills Road, who is a catering supervisor at Waterhead Academy, said: “I think Josh will persevere. For a 12-year-old it’s a great achievement. I’m so proud of him.”