Damieon on beat up Everest

Damieon Pickles

AN all-action Oldham bobby is swapping his beat for a taste of the high life by trekking up the highest mountain in the world.

PC Damieon Pickles jets off to Nepal today for a 17-day trek 21,000ft up Mount Everest to advanced base camp in his latest fundraising efforts.

He and his fellow trekkers, brother Lee, a quantity surveyor, and friend Andy Czainski, a sales representative, face freezing conditions with temperatures dropping to -15, low oxygen and altitude sickness in one of the most inhospitable regions in the world.

“This is the biggest challenge I have ever done. I have been training with runs over Saddleworth moor. And there’s been a lot of gym work, but nothing can prepare you for the altitude sickness which is the main thing that will get you.

“It affects each person differently. No matter how fit you are or how much you train it can take over,” added the 40-year-old.

The father-of-three has already raised £11,500 by running the London and New York marathons and taking part in a whole host of charitable events.

He has the full support of family and friends, including 20-year-old daughter Emma, who is due to give birth in four weeks.

“It was actually my wife who said why don’t you climb Everest.

“There is a possibility I might miss the birth of my first grandchild but hopefully I will be back by then,” he added.

PC Pickles, who will run the London Marathon again next year, said the trio will give 100 per cent.

“There’s a lot of leg work that goes into trekking and I play in a squash league which involves a lot of lunges. It’s not going to be easy but I’ve done all this fundraising and by hook or by crook I’ll get there.”

The trek is run by Charity Challenge and donations can be made through the Virgin Money Giving website.

The money raised will go to Overgate Hospice in Halifax, the Stroke Association and Seafarers UK.