A FATHER and son duo braved subzero temperatures when they trekked to Everest base camp and raised more than £7,000 for two charities close to their hearts.

John Burgess, aged 67, of Amblecote and his son, Greg, aged 35, completed the Himalayan trek in aid of Side by Side, a Stourbridge theatre company for learning disabled actors and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

John, who is an avid supporter of Side by Side, has volunteered behind the scenes for six years and wanted to raise some vital funds for the group and Greg chose to fundraise for the children’s hospital as he used to work there.

The pair began their 12 day expedition on October 25 and arrived back in the UK on November 11.

Greg, who recently moved from Kinver to Mid Wales, said: “We got to base camp on the eighth day and it took us four days to get back. It was quite daunting, we were walking for nine hours a day but we managed to keep fit and healthy.”

John added: “It was very strenuous but I thoroughly enjoyed it and the scenery was wonderful, I couldn’t put it into words.

“When I told people at Side by Side what I was doing, they were shocked and amazed because of my age but when I got back I had a wonderful reception.”

John and Greg wished to thank everyone who had donated so far.

Anyone who wishes to add to their impressive total, can do so by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/JohnandGreg-Burgess