THE director of Yorkshire property group The Helmsley Group, deserves to put his feet up after completing a gruelling 18-day trek to Everest base camp.

Richard Peak, who lives in York, raised £8,500 for Marie Curie Cancer Care by completing the expedition across forests, valleys, mountains and glaciers. He walked to a height of 5,550 metres (18,200 feet).

Richard said: "The trek was incredibly difficult, particularly coping with the effects of the thin mountain air and very cold conditions which reached -12 degrees at night, even in the tents.

"However, it was a fantastic experience, with some spectacular scenery and a great sense of camaraderie amongst my fellow travellers. As a group we have raised more than £80,000 for charity and I would like to thank everybody that sponsored me."

Richard's charity efforts have made a great start to The Helmsley Group's pledge to raise £25,000 during its 25th anniversary year for a variety of local charities.

Updated: 13:57 Wednesday, April 13, 2005