Plumber Keith will swap plunger for pick axe for climb
He is more accustomed to having his head under a kitchen sink than climbing up mountains.
But next week plumber Keith Hooper will swap his plunger for a pick axe as he tackles the French Alps to raise money for charity.
The 35-year-old's challenge will get underway next Wednesday and alongside 59 other people from across the UK he will tackle three climbs in three days.
Mr Hooper, of Buriton Close, Portchester, hopes to raise 2,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The challenge will see those taking part trekking for between seven and nine hours a day before setting up camp on the mountainside.
Speaking to The News, Mr Hooper said: 'I'm really looking forward to it now, I can't wait.
'I enjoy a challenge and this seemed worthwhile, raising money for people affected by cancer.'
The trek will begin from the base of the Chamonix Valley and go up into the mountains surrounding Mont Blanc, through meadows, steep ridges and alpine tracks to a height of 2,525 metres at Le Brevent.
Mr Hooper, who has been to the region before to ski and snowboard, will be greeted by the sight of snow-capped peaks, glaciers and waterfalls as he reaches the end of the challenge.
Mr Hooper, who has taken part in the Great South Run for the last few years, says he has been working hard to build up his fitness levels for the Alps trek.
'I've have been going to Fitness First in Fareham three mornings a week at 6.30am for over an hour each time to make sure I'm ready,' he said.
'I've also been walking and cycling at the weekends to build up my fitness.
'This is by far the biggest challenge I have ever attempted and it makes the Great South Run seem very easy now!'
Mr Hooper, who runs Pentland Plumbing Services Limited, recently took a big step towards reaching his fundraising goal when he organised the Mont Blanc Golf Challenge at Southwick Park Golf Club.
The day was a great success and Keith managed to raise 1,028 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
He added: 'I'm now pretty close to raising the 2,000 I need so if anybody would like to donate to a great cause that would be brilliant.'
If you would like to make a donation go to justgiving.com/keithhooper or to find out more about the charity go to macmillan.org.uk
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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