An Aberdeen child counsellor is climbing to one of the world’s highest points to raise money for the NSPCC.
Childline counsellor, Pauline McGowan is attempting the climb to Mount Everest base camp next month as part of a fundraiser for the organisation she volunteers for.
The 61-year-old, who is also a nurse for NHS Grampian, will head to Nepal in the next few weeks, and will embark on the challenge throughout November.
The keen hillwalker will be joined by her friend, Sinde Astrea, who is a teacher at Aberdeen Grammar School.
Once the pair make it to base camp they will decide if they feel up to going any higher. They will be setting off for Nepal later this month and will be there throughout November.
Pauline, who is a nurse with NHS Grampian, said: “I am excited to get there, but I am also feeling some anxiety. The first few days will be all about acclimatising ourselves to the conditions.
“I have been climbing Munros since I was 18, but this is something different altogether.
“Obviously there is the lack of oxygen element, but we will also be getting used to less everyday comforts such as running water.
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“We are both keen hillwalkers so from there we decided to take it to the next level and challenge ourselves.
“We’re going to be joined by a small group of hikers and a Sherpa, so that will help a bit with the nerves.”
Pauline described volunteering for Childline as one of the best decisions she has ever made.
She added: “A lot of my friends have said they notice I’m a lot happier since joining Childline and that’s largely because I’m part of a great team.
“Going into the Childline office in Aberdeen is always a joy. We do have some serious and distressing calls with young people, but ultimately, I love talking to the children and I don’t regret volunteering with Childline at all. I find it so rewarding.”
Anyone interested in donating to the pair’s fundraiser can visit the JustGiving page.
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