A NORTH-EAST man, tackling the world’s highest mountain in a bid to raise £50,000 for charity, is half-way through his journey.

Allan Thomas, of Kingswells, is climbing to the 29,000ft summit of Mount Everest in aid of cancer charity Clan (Cancer Link Aberdeen and North).

Mr Thomas, 41, was inspired to raise £50,000 for the charity after his sister Leisa’s partner Carol-Anne Donald died of brain cancer in November 2006, aged just 28.

The pharmaceutical sales representative set off on his journey in April this year and is now carrying out acclimatisation exercises on the north side of the mountain, before attempting to reach the summit on May 20.

Mr Thomas is one of a group of nine currently scaling the mountain.

His wife Claire, 31, said: “At the moment they are going up and down to get their bodies used to it.

“He has said everything is great and they are getting their bodies acclimatised to less oxygen.

“He said it has been quite tough on his body but he is getting used to it.”

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Mr Thomas has been keeping his family and friends updated by writing regular blogs on his website.

In his blog he says: “The scenery keeps my mind entertained but doesn’t fool my body that I am working to the limits of my endurance.

“It (climbing) is physically demanding but, with regular breaks, we keep within our abilities. I hope everyone is enjoying the blog and is inspired by my challenge, without the support of my fellow climbers I would not be able to reach my goals.”

So far, Mr Thomas has raised more than over £32,000 for Clan. To follow his journey visit www.climbforclan.co.uk