A PODIATRIST is planning to climb 21 thousand feet to a point above base camp on Mount Everest.

For Helen Holmes, one of the podiatrists at LFW Podiatry in Ilkley, the journey began a number of years ago when her dad developed vascular dementia on top of a previous diagnosis of diabetes.

As her dad deteriorated, Helen found that helping him with his foot care, not only helped him but provided a close bond between the two of them and sparked an interest for Helen to study and train as a podiatrist. Helen went on to study a BSc (Hons) degree in podiatry at the University of Huddersfield and on graduating in 2018, accepted a position at LFW Podiatry, which Helen says is the best job she’s ever had as every day, the love of her work has a special connection to the memory of her dad.

Helen is a keen walker and when she was given the opportunity to climb beyond base camp on Everest, she chose to do it in special memory of her dad, who she says would be so proud of her achievement.

Helen will be carrying a favourite photo of him and when she reaches her highest point, she will leave the photo on Everest which she says will be a very special moment for her, knowing her dad would love that.

For the past six months, Helen and her husband Mark have been training every weekend in the Yorkshire Dales in preparation for their trip of a lifetime in November.

Helen said: "My husband will be making the climb with me, as I’ll need him to protect me from any wandering Yaks that may have the urge to push me off the edge!"

In memory of her dad, Helen will be raising funds for Dementia UK, a specialist dementia nurse charity. The charity's Admiral Nurses provide life-changing care for families affected by all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

If you would like to support Helen all monies raised will go directly to the charity. Money can be donated at LFW Podiatry at either the Ilkley or Burley-in-Wharfedale clinic.

You can also donate by following this link to Helen's JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-holmes-pod?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=helen-holmes-pod&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=70cd8ba48b3e4df199b2d41e8d47da9a.

You can also follow Helens progress as she ascends Mount Everest from November 11th by following her blog on the news page at www.lfwpodiatry.co.uk