From Burgh Island to the Himalayas-two women from Bigbury-On-Sea will be trekking to Annapurna Base Camp early next year.

Elizabeth Huntley, a South Hams District Councillor will be tackling the 4,200 metre high trek in January, on behalf of two of her constituents in Bigbury and her father.

During the challenge which will take place early in the New Year and last for 17 days, the snow could be as deep as 0.5 metres, making each step difficult with the risk of some passes being closed due to snow fall.

To start, the climbers will fly into Kathmandu and get a coach to Pokhara before then starting to climb the yak tracks and grassy slopes that will be their home for 17 days. En route, the trekkers will stay in tea houses in various villages where they will stay in unheated rooms, all constructed from corrugated iron.

“Showers may be available, but you are very aware that you are using the water that the villagers need for their daily life,” said Elizabeth.

Downstairs in these simple B&Bs is, “where all life occurs” explains Elizabeth. Trekkers huddle together on backless benches around the fire with folk songs as the main entertainment as there is no radio or TV.

For Elizabeth, her biggest fear ahead of the trek is, “crossing ravines on wobbly wooden bridges or precipitous fall-off drops.

“I did this trek ten years ago but I did not get as high as ABC, also known as The Sanctuary. I love this name and have long held a wish to be there.

“It is a geological bowl surrounded by five of the greatest peaks in the world-it should be spectacular, especially as we hope to see the sun rise over each mountain in succession.”

Another resident from Bigbury will be joining Elizabeth for the trek. Trish Bagley works in Holywell Stores and grows vegetables for the village at Turtle Farm.

Rose Van Heiden from Bigbury-On-Sea who has become increasingly disabled by Motor Neurone Disease is one of the residents who Elizabeth will be walking in aid of. She is confined to a wheel chair and in the last few weeks she has lost the ability to feed herself, while her voice continues to weaken. The disease effects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord that tell your muscles what to do, leading to the muscles weakening and stiffening.

Sandy Gay, a fellow resident from Bigbury-On-Sea has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which Elizabeth’s father also suffers with. This condition can affect the brain and/or spinal cord causing a wide range of potential symptoms , including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

Her father, Edward Collins was diagnosed at 19, having been a runner in his youth and still suffers from the condition at aged 92. “I believe he is England’s longest serving MS sufferer”, said Elizabeth.

Unfortunately, he has been wheel chair bound for 6-8 years now, is doubly incontinent and needs a hoist to get in and out of bed. However, he is still able to feed himself and talk.

Her father spends his holidays in Bigbury because their house has been adapted with a concrete ramp at the door and is totally flat on the ground floor where he has his bedroom.

All money raised is going towards two charities through a Virginmoneygiving website, to then be divided equally between Multiple Sclerosis Society which leads on medical research and Motor Neurone Disease Association which provides rapid support and equipment for individuals and their families and initiates genetic and other medical research.

Elizabeth’s fund raising page can be found here