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Trek across the Himalayas? You must be bananas

by Jessica Beckett
30/ 4/2008

NO-ONE could accuse David Parkinson of being yellow when it comes to taking up a challenge.

Next week the 23-year-old will set off on a 10-day trek across the Himalayas in aid of Childline.

And to kickstart his fundraising bid, the former Hulme Grammar School pupil has been donning a Bananaman outfit and pounding the streets of London.

Together with a gang of friends including, Captain America, Wonder Woman and Batman, the comic-book heroes have been drumming up support around the capital, where David works as a graduate for BT.

He said: "We have been collecting in Kings Cross, Euston and Victoria train stations and have had a great reception. Everyone seems to love it, both adults and children."

And David has even been able to put his super powers to good use. He explained: "At one of the stations, a little boy had fallen over and hurt himself.

"He was crying so much, and nobody could calm him down, so when Bananaman and Captain America walked over to give him a high five, it put a smile on his face straight away."

Next Tuesday will see David and his colleagues begin their Himalayan adventure. The trek will involve navigating across a number of mountains in the southern sphere of the range, crossing over 12km of tough terrain every day, reaching heights of 3,500m above sea level. The climbers will face severe conditions and will camp on the mountain every night. But David is not fazed by the task

He said: "I have done my bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh awards so I think I might have an idea of what to expect. I’ve also been training at the gym to get myself ready, but I‘m hoping a trek round Saddleworth moors might give me a bit of practice before we set off."

David plans to raise at least £2,500 for Childline which provides confidential advice and support for young people across the UK.

To sponsor David and support Childline visit www.justgiving.com/davidparkinson1.