A NORTHWICH brother and sister pair have completed an epic trek to Everest Base Camp to raise £14,245 for charity.

James and Laura Occleston took on the mighty challenge to reach the 5364-metre-high base camp in honour of their mum Lindsay, who beat breast cancer 10 years ago.

Lindsay, a director at Rudheath-based Roberts Bakery, is a passionate supporter of Prevent Breast Cancer charity since she was diagnosed with the disease.

And Laura, 28, and James, 25, were part of a 32-strong team who collectively raised a whopping £115,000 for the South Manchester-based charity during their 13-day trek.

Among those on the team was Coronation Street star and breast cancer survivor Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe, and she battled the elements and altitude sickness alongside James and Laura to reach the mountain’s base camp.

James, who also completed the London Marathon this year for Prevent Breast Cancer, said: “The timing of this trip was particularly significant as its marks the 10-year anniversary of our mum’s breast cancer diagnosis.

“We wanted to do something together to raise money for a charity that is so close to her heart.

“It was definitely the hardest challenge I have ever done, but it was an incredible experience that I will never forget.”

Northwich Guardian:

Laura and James with Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor

Laura prepared for the ascent by hill walking in the Lake District and the Peak District every weekend.

She said: “I had done a lot of training for this trip with my mum and the Everest group, but it was still very tough.

“It was such an amazing experience though and everyone was so determined to get to base camp.

“We originally set a target to raise £5,000 for Prevent Breast Cancer, so we are absolutely thrilled to have smashed that figure and reached £14,245.”

Lindsay added: “Breast cancer is still the most common cancer in the UK and 150 people a day are diagnosed with the disease, so we need to do everything we can to help predict and prevent it.

“I am so proud of James and Laura for taking on this mammoth challenge and raising a huge sum of money that will help to fund vital research into breast cancer.”

Roberts Bakery is a long-standing supporter of Prevent Breast Cancer, which is the only UK charity dedicated to the prediction, prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

Through fundraising, the bakery has generated more than £150,000 for the charity over the last decade to support its pioneering research and campaigning.

To donate to James and Laura’s fund, please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LauraandJames.