IT is a mountain of a mission, but a fish and chip shop boss is getting geared up to trek to the base of Mount Everest to raise money for Help for Heroes.

John Clement is a familiar face in Old Basing, where he runs Oliver’s fish and chip shop, but the 54-year-old will say goodbye to his customers for two weeks when he attempts the difficult challenge of reaching the Everest base camp.

The father-of-one has completed various walking challenges in the past, including climbing to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. But the 12-day trek to Everest and back could be his toughest yet.

Mr Clement flies out to Nepal on April 12 before embarking on a six-day hike to the base camp.

Once there, he will then climb to the peak of Kalapathar which overlooks the base camp at 5,545m high.

He said: “Walking is something that I enjoy doing. I have walked in that area before but never as far as the base camp.”

Collection tins for customers’ spare change and sponsorship forms are now available in Oliver’s for those wanting to support Mr Clement’s charity effort.

Speaking about raising money for Help for Heroes, he said: “It’s just a personal thing that I feel strongly about. I have walked for different charities before but this is the one I chose this time.

“Living in Old Basing, there’s a Royal British Legion and a lot of elderly people who will have seen active service and are my customers.”

As for any pre-adventure nerves, Mr Clement claims to have none. He said: “I have walked to altitude many times and have dogs which keep me walking every day.

“I haven’t had to do anything special because I keep fit any way. I have walked in a lot of major mountain ranges, and have been to the Himalayas.”