A MAN from Bittaford is taking part in a mountain expedition with an unusual aim – to put on a stand up comedy gig at Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

Richard Davies hopes to be part of a new world record for the highest comedy performance ever, as well as raising much needed cash for Save the Children.

The charity continues to work in Nepal, following the catastrophic earthquake that hit the country in April last year.

Richard came to be involved after getting in touch with an old school friend, Jeremy Banks, who now runs a charity in London called The Aid Fundraiser. The organisation raises money for various good causes by holding live comedy gigs in the London area, and is organising ’Stand up on Everest’.

30 people, including comedians Wayne Deakin, Martin Mor, Micky D and Tom Wrigglesworth are currently en route to the Himalayas, where they will transport all the equipment needed for the performance to the base camp. If all goes to plan, they will hold the gig, and take the world record, on Friday, April 15.

Speaking before departure, Richard said he was ’apprehensive’ about the challenge, but having turned 40 last November was keen to do something physically and mentally rewarding, as well as raise money for a good cause.

The adventurous South Hams resident said that he has been training on Dartmoor, but has never walked in mountainous areas, and never flown long-haul. He added it was impossible to train the body to deal with the effects of altitude he would experience on the trek, which rises to well over 5,000 metres.

He has also, he said, avoided watching the disaster survival film Everest, which tells the story of a group of climbers caught in a blizzard on the infamous mountain.

Richard is raising money for Save the Children online. Go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardDavies007 to donate.