PODIATRISTS Andy and Kath Lindsay both put their best foot forward to raise thousands of pounds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The couple fulfilled a lifelong ambition by trekking to Everest Base Camp - raising £4,250 for the life-saving charity and highlighting the profile of their profession.

They were part of a small group of podiatrists taking part in the trek - walking to a height of just under 6,000 meters.

The couple, who are still accepting donations to their appeal, live in Gargrave. Andy practices in the area around Skipton, while Kath has a clinic in Guiseley.

They said: “We find, as podiatrists, when people have a foot problem we are not necessarily the first profession that people go to. If you have toothache you go to the dentist, eye problems the opticians, so why not podiatry when there’s a foot problem. Also the profession is struggling to recruit new students.”

The couple have done a lot of walking in this country, and some scuba diving, but the expedition was the first time they had trekked at altitude.

They said: “We have trained by doing the Yorkshire three peaks, Snowdon, Tryfan, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis amongst others.

“The trek was taxing due to the altitude, with a peak of just under 6000 meters on Kala Pattar, to watch the sunrise over Everest.”

Before setting off on the trek in November they said: “We have known of a couple of people who have needed the Air Ambulance, and one of Kath’s patients in particular was helped by them after an accident at work.  

“The trek is a life-long ambition that is at last being realised and we were, and a lot of our patients, who love to follow our adventures are totally overexcited at the prospect of the trip.”

“We’d also like to try and raise the profile of our profession, podiatry.

To support their fundraising visit justgiving account on www.justgiving.com/AndyKathLindsay