After months of training and preparation, a keen walker has set off on a charity trek through the Himalayas.

Andrew King, from Trimley St Mary, is taking part in the Everest Expedition Trek in the ancient kingdom of Nepal organised by children’s charity Action Medical Research.

He started from Lukla and Chumoa in the Nepalese foothills, home to the Sherpa people and three of the world’s seven highest mountains.

The three-week challenge will take the group through some of the most spectacular rugged scenery coupled with opportunities to learn about ancient Tibetian Buddhism and finally finish at the summit of the Kala Pattar.

Mr King said he had put in some strenuous training over the past year, including trips to Snowdonia and Switzerland, where he walked on Europe’s longest glacier, to acclimatise ready for Everest.

Before he left he paid a visit to the Cotman House Residential Home in Felixstowe, where residents presented him with £100 raised at their summer fete for Action Medical Research.

Mr King said: “I have experienced the devastating impact of prematurity and some other conditions that severely affect children from very close quarters and totally appreciate the pain, which comes with it.

“If everything goes according to plan, I am hoping to raise in excess of £6,000 for this amazing charity.

“I am really looking forward to the walk – I think I have prepared well and it should be a great experience, and the scenery should be absolutely stunning.”

Those taking part will be raising money to help fund medical research into a variety of conditions.