A GRANDMOTHER is to climb to Everest base camp to raise money for a youth theatre’s latest production.

Joan Sandilands vowed to complete the gruelling trek from Kathmandu, Nepal, before she turns 61 on April 2.

And the grandmother-of-three is on course to reach her goal, with flights out of the UK booked for Friday, February 12.

The 60-year-old, from Durham City, will begin hiking the following day, reaching base camp of the world’s highest mountain, at 17,600ft, on Thursday, February 25.

An experienced walker, Ms Sandilands is embarking on the challenge to raise money for Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group’s production of Fame, and The Street Kids, an Indian charity.

She said: “I’m dead excited. I’ve had every obstacle thrown in my way since February – ruptured ligaments, a broken ankle.

I’ve had everything go against me, but I’ve now had the all clear and I’m going.”

The NHS nurse has been supporting The Street Kids for a decade.

The theatre group’s play, featuring Ms Sandilands’ granddaughters Samantha, 16, Jessica, 15, and Emily, 14, will be at Durham’s Gala Theatre, from April 7 to 10.

Sponsor Ms Sandilands via sytg.co.uk or 07701-069558.