TO make it to the summit is a real tall order, and a challenge that is best left to the experts.

But Lowestoft friends Charlotte O'Mahoney and Adam Herrington are hoping to follow in the illustrious footsteps of some of the world's most famous climbers by trekking up Mount Everest for charity.

In October next year, Charlotte, 22 and Adam, 23, will be taking part in a gruelling 12-day expedition in which they will have to overcome the twin challenges of high altitude and bitter cold to reach the base camp at 17,500ft (5,357m).

Described as 'challenging' by organisers Different Travel, the guided trek will take Charlotte, of Kirkley Gardens, and Adam, of Carlton Road, into the wild and rugged terrain of the in Nepalese Himalayas – home of the mythical abominable snowman – and will offer them some of the most amazing views in the world.

But it is far from a holiday: temperatures can fall to -10 deg C at night and Charlotte and Adam face up to eight hours of walking a day in conditions made more difficult by high altitude where oxygen levels are low.

The pair have already been given a comprehensive check-list of essential clothing and other key items to pack into their rucksacks, including thermal trousers, eye masks, insect repellent and painkillers.

But as the friends battle on in inhospitable conditions on their charity trek in aid of the James Paget University Hospital's children's ward and Lowestoft's Meadow Primary School, they will be able to call on their previous experience of climbing another of the world's towering peaks – Mount Kilimanjaro.

Last October, Charlotte, a support worker, and Adam, a teaching assistant at Meadow Primary, became friends as they joined a group of 32 people scaling the highest mountain in Africa.

And, with more than a year until they fly out to Nepal, they are already getting in shape for their gruelling Himalayan challenge by running and visiting the gym regularly to keep in peak fitness.

Charlotte and Adam, who have also done charity sky dives, say they are excited about visiting Nepalese villages and experiencing a totally different culture by meeting Sherpas and visiting places such as Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.

Adam, whose cousin was treated at the JPUH children's ward for a tumour when she was 14, told The Journal: 'It is going to be tough, what with the altitude and cold right from the beginning.

'But I am sure it will be all worth it when we reach base camp as the views up there will be fantastic.'

Charlotte added: 'Everyone says we must be totally mad to go to Mount Everest, but I am so excited about going.

'It will be so different over there and it will be a fantastic experience.'

Charlotte and Adam both need to find about �2,500 to help pay for their trek and will be organising a series of fundraising events over coming months, including charity discos and stalls at fetes.

? Anyone who wants to support their fundraising efforts can call Adam on 07825 293233.