A Fundraising mum and son climbed more than 5,000 metres over 11 days to say thank you to the John Eastwood Hospice.

Nicola Aslam and her son, Olly Mooney, completed the charity adventure to reach Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, raising £3,429 for the Sutton hospice that looked after Olly’s father.

Peter Mooney lost his battle against cancer in July 2022 and Nicola and Olly wanted to say thank you for its compassionate care.

Olly said: “It was challenging and tough, but super rewarding. Nepal is an amazing country, full of life and rich in beautiful landscapes and postcard-quality views at every turn.

“Eleven days of constant trekking, hundreds of photos captured, new friendships made, and many memories stored and taken away… the whole experience was humbling and grounding.

“Places like Nepal really make you realise how lucky we are to live in England.”

Olly and 68-year-old Nicola previously climbed Ben Nevis, Scotland, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, while Nicola trekked to Machu Picchu, Peru, raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Olly, founder and director of Mansfield-based web design, ecommerce, and digital marketing business dijitul. added: “We are having a break from trekking now and not planning anything big for a few years — Kilimanjaro next though, I think!

“Thank you to everyone who donated to our page, donated money at Morrisons when we were fundraising, or who entered our raffle.”

He said the hospice ensured his father lived out his last days comfortable and happy.

“It was important for us to raise the money,” Olly added. “The staff were very warm and welcoming. They were compassionate and allowed my dad to stay for as long as he needed to.

“They were absolutely amazing and couldn’t have done more to help. That’s why we decided to try to raise money for them.”

Although Peter and Nicola separated many years ago, Olly said his parents retained a great relationship and remained friends.

Nicola, who is retired, now works part-time at Morrisons. She thanked her husband, Ollie Aslam, who paid for her share of the trek and bought most of her kit.