Dave Reeves, from Acomb, in York to climb Everest in 2012 to raise £100,000 for Bowel Cancer UK (From York Press)

Dave Reeves, from Acomb, in York to climb Everest in 2012 to raise £100,000 for Bowel Cancer UK

10:33am Thursday 3rd September 2009

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HE has never even climbed a mountain before – but now this father-of-four has embarked on a three-year quest to prepare for tackling the world’s highest peak.

Dave Reeves, from Acomb, in York, plans to make his bid to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 2012.

At 8,850-metres tall, 210 people have died on its slopes and only 2,700 people have ever reached the top.

Dave will experience temperatures of minus 40 degrees and oxygen levels that are a quarter of what they are at sea level.

But the 29-year-old, who works as a finance manager, remains unfazed by the dangers he will face in Nepal and hopes his efforts will raise £100,000 for the charity Bowel Cancer UK.

“If I see somebody doing something I’ve never done before I always want to give it a go,” he said.

“I’ve never ever been on a mountain – I’m a complete beginner. The only thing I’ve got on my side is a level of fitness – but even that is probably still average compared with other mountaineers.”

Dave has completed a beginner’s climbing course at Oakland’s sports centre in Acomb and has booked himself on to a “summit and skills course” in the Alps next Easter, at the end of which he aims to climb Mont Blonc.

Meanwhile, he will celebrate his 30th birthday later this month by taking part in the Great North Run.

Dave, who has four daughters and has never travelled outside Europe, will be attempting the climb in honour of his dad, Howard Reeves, who was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in May.

“I want to raise awareness of bowel cancer, so that people who think they have symptoms go to the doctor earlier,” he said.

“My dad didn’t and now it’s too late.”

Dave’s first fundraising event will be a motorcycle rally on October 3, where bikers are invited to join him on a 1,000 mile “capital to capital” ride.

They will start and finish at Squires Motorcycle Café in Sherburn-in-Elmet and pass through York, Edinburgh, Cardiff and London in only 24 hours.

Participants are asked to donate a minimum of £20 to Bowel Cancer UK, which aims to save lives by raising awareness of bowel cancer, campaigning for better treatment and care and providing practical support and advice.

To enter the ride, phone Dave on 01904 780525, or visit his web page at climb.daveoneverest.com.

To sponsor Dave, log onto his fundraising page at justgiving.com/climbthehill>>

He is also selling raffle tickets, which are available from the Bay Horse, in Blossom Street, York, and Premier Sports, in Goodramgate, York.

The star prize is a trip to London, including four star accommodation, a meal-for-two, theatre tickets and a Thames boat cruise.