A FUNDRAISING firefighter is enjoying his last day in Cirencester before leaving for an intense 13-day trek to Mount Everest Base Camp.

Retained firefighter Des Moore is flying to India on Friday, March 21, where he will scale all of 17,000 feet to reach the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain.

He has been tirelessly raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity and was astounded when he hit his £3,000 target in January, after originally thinking it was impossible to reach.

“I’m very excited if a little apprehensive about altitude sickness,” said Des.

“I’m really looking forward to the first three days though as we get to spend the weekend sightseeing around Kathmandu.”

Des is journeying with three other people from different areas of the country and will start his ascent on March 24.

Although he is looking forward to it, he said he will sorely miss his 19-month-old son Toby and wife Sally.

Yet the former military man is taking a small part of his family with him to India.

“My mother died in October and I’m actually scattering her ashes over the summit of Kala Patthar as the sun rises over Mount Everest,” he added.

He is raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity which offers support services to firefighters and their families who need it.

Des will return to the Cotswolds on Monday, April 7.

To sponsor his challenge, go to justgiving.com/Desmond-Moore