A SURGEON has scaled to new heights to help people who are fighting cancer.

Orthopaedic consultant Kevin Conn was a member of a team who climbed 5,364 metres to reach Everest base camp in a quest to raise money for Wessex Ward at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and the Anthony Nolan charity.

The surgeon was inspired to take on the challenge by fellow orthopaedic consultant Jonathan Hobby, his friend and colleague at Basingstoke hospital, who recently underwent a bone marrow transplant as part of his treatment for lymphoma.

While on the trek Kevin acted as the team’s doctor for the challenge and was joined by other friends of Jonathan’s, including John Taylor, accounting partner at RSM, who organised the expedition for his 50th birthday.

Kevin, who also took the chance to climb to 6,119 metres and the summit of Lobuche East, said: “In a way, the effort of the climb was a small tribute we could make to Jonathan and the tough treatment he has had to endure.

“For each member of our team, reaching base camp was an achievement and a special moment. We have been so privileged to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and enjoy the kindness and hospitality of the Nepalese.

“As we celebrated the view from the top, we also celebrated the recovery that Jonathan has been making, thanks to the amazing care of the NHS doctors, nurses and lymphoma researchers.”

Kevin and John were joined by Martin Rossiter and Phillip Munn, who are also partners at RSM, and Rowena Riddiford from RSM’s audit team along with David Bickford, partner at Pennington Manches, his wife Kate, and Ian Goulding to complete the group of eight.

The team has raised nearly £12,800 so far, which will be split between the Hampshire Hospitals charity and Anthony Nolan.

The team has chosen to support Wessex Ward, which is the specialist haematology ward at Basingstoke hospital.

The money will be put towards an autologous bone marrow transplant suite, which will allow the trust to provide a new form of treatment for patients who require a bone marrow transplant.

Anthony Nolan matches individuals willing to donate their blood stem cells or bone marrow to people with blood cancer and blood disorders who need a lifesaving transplant.

To support the team’s fundraising efforts, donate at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/EverestBaseCampNovember2018.