A FORMER soldier has raised more than £1,000 after taking on the gruelling three peaks challenge in the Himalayas.
Matt Zwart, 36, took on the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon.
It is a challenge that follows a trail starting from the Everest Base Camp at 17,598ft and finishes at Namche Bazaar, in North East Nepal, at 11,306ft.
The measured distance of the course is 26.2 miles over rough mountain terrain.
He ran the marathon on May 12 in aid of The Colonel's Fund, a charity which raises money for servicemen and ex-serviceman of the Grenadier Guards, who Matt served for.
Matt was joined on the challenge by his friend John Pomfret, who has taken on several of these challenges in the past.
"We had some horrendous weather conditions while we were at Everest", he said. "And we had to be evacuated from the base camp along with about 200 other people, so it was quite eventful.
"The snow and ice was ridiculous, it was horrendous conditions to run in. And then it just turned into rivers of water and slush.
"I don't think it's something I could ever do again.
"John is trying to get me to do some more events but I can't see it happening.
"But it was an amazing experience, and a great feeling when it was all over and done with."
Matt left the Army in 2002, after serving for just over five years.
Gearing up for the challenge he sourced out Rob Moses, owner and head coach at the CrossFit Gym, in Humberston, to provide him with personal training.
Rob has also served in the Armed Forces, having left the Royal Navy at the end of February.
Matt added: "It was quite sad when we had to leave and quite emotional, too. It is a beautiful place.
"It was quite strange as I celebrated my 36th birthday while I was there as well. It was a terrible day but I did get to have a hot chocolate, which was nice.
"It's amazing to raise so much as well. I said from the start I would be happy with anything we could get."
Matt plans to hand over the cheque during a fundraising evening with Graham Taylor, at the Beachcomber on Saturday, July 26.
To donate to Matt's cause, go to his Facebook page by searching Matt Zwart.
