A MAN from Clewer has raised more than £18,000 for charity after climbing up to the base camp of Mount Everest.

Dave Clarke took on the challenge to raise money for Somewhere House Somerset, the therapeutic service and charity based in Burnham-on-Sea.

Mr Clark flew out to Nepal on September 22 this year and traversed tricky mountainous terrain on an 18-day trek to reach Kala Pathar, 5,500m above sea level.

Mr Clarke said: “It was an amazing experience. Kala Pathar classes as extreme altitude as there is less than 50 per cent oxygen in the air that high up. I want to thank two amazing businesses, Table Eight Indian restaurant and Tuckers Fish and Chips from Cheddar, who helped raise a lot of money.

“I would like to say a massive thanks to everyone who contributed. A lot of people gave up time as well as money to help out, including a number of people we had helped at Somerset House in the past.”

Dave and his wife Angie set up Somewhere House Somerset three years ago as they felt help wasn’t always readily accessible for those who needed it.

“We are specialists in helping people with addiction; this includes alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling and food as well as other addictions,” Mr Clarke said.

“Our team of counsellors and volunteers have a wealth of collective knowledge in this field. It is a place where vulnerable people can come, whether it is addiction, financial, depression, probation or relationship trouble, and be given counselling.”