A PENARTH firefighter will travel to Nepal this month and trek to Mt Everest Base Camp, one of the world's highest civilisations, to raise money for charities close to his heart after they helped members of his family. 

Carl Marsh will be scaling new heights as he aims to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Centre, the Stroke Association and the Firefighters Charity. 

The trip starts with a rollercoaster ride from Katmandhu to Lukla airport, dubbed 'the world's most dangerous airport'. 

Carl says: "It's probably the highest, shortest, steepest runway in the world, but nothing a bottle of whiskey won't put right!

"From then on, I have 71 miles of trekking ahead of me, ascending to a height of 5,644m contending with below-freezing conditions, low oxygen levels, possible altitude sickness, little hot water or showers, and half the amount of food I'd usually be seen devouring.

"I'm giving up my comforts for two weeks on what will, hopefully, be the trip of a lifetime, raising money for some well-deserved charities."

Velindre is Wales' premier cancer centre providing treatment, care and support to patients and their families. Money raised ables them to support projects over and above those provided by the NHS, including groundbreaking research, specialist equipment, nurses and staff training.

Carl explained his charity choices, saying: "I think it's safe to say we've all been affected by someone we know who has gone through or currently going through treatment for cancer or end-of-life care. 

"In the past few years, I lost my wonderful aunty, who should have just started enjoying her retirement and most recently supporting my amazing step mum through breast cancer. 

"Velindre played a huge part in the care and support in both cases, and I'm sure the family will agree they go above and beyond for everyone in their support. 

"I can't thank the Stroke Association enough for the support they provided after my dad suffered a stroke. 

"After several weeks of not knowing where to turn for help and support for my dad, I was given the stroke association's details, and Tracey quickly got in touch. I can't thank her enough for all the support, guidance, regular updates, check-ins and ongoing support she offered and sign-posting us to other organisations who were able to help. Before contact with Tracey I felt I was very much on my own, trying to deal with something very much out of my depth.

"They're here to support people to rebuild their lives after a stroke and believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can going forward. 

"They provide specialist support and fund critical research and campaign to ensure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives. 

Rebuilding lives after a stroke is a team effort. "It takes the determination of stroke survivors and carers, the generosity of supporters and the dedication of the healthcare and research communities to get there.

"If anyone is supporting someone who has gone through a stroke, I can't recommend the stroke association enough for general support.

"Thirdly I'm raising money for The Firefighters Charity.

"Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a firefighter; ask anyone in school what I wanted to be when I was older, and they'd say a firefighter.

"Sadly, four years ago, I lost my brother in a house fire, and that's when I applied to join the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service to follow my dreams and make my brother proud.

"Being a firefighter for South Wales Fire and Rescue service, I've seen firsthand the great work they do for firefighters and their families.

"The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives.

"They provide confidential, personalised support to the whole of the fire services community, delivering mental health, physical health and social wellbeing services at our centres, remotely, online and in communities around the UK. Championing the health and wellbeing of all those they support - serving, retired or dependent - they aim to ensure that our beneficiaries can live well for life. And they're not all firefighters. 

"It exists to support all fire and rescue service personnel, whatever their role in the service. They are also here for all those who have retired, as well as for spouses and qualifying dependents."

Find out more about the charities via these links.

www.velindrefundraising.com

www.stroke.org.uk

www.firefighterscharity.org.uk

You can make a donation to Carl's fundraising here https://gofund.me/f38b449c