TWO clinical physiologists at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary have raised £6,000 for the British Heart Foundation with an Everest trek.

Michelle Foster and Jane Mackenzie braved night-time temperatures of -15°C (5°F) and altitude sickness to reach base camp.

Michelle said the 12 days it took on foot were more demanding than they had ever imagined.

She said: “We knew it was going to be tough, but not that tough. Three of our party of 23 had to drop out because of sickness.

“It looks sunny on the photos, but we had about five layers on to stay warm.

“Also, at that height we were soon breathless, even after unpacking our rucksacks.

“But, looking back, it was a brilliant experience to get to base camp and to raise money for the British Heart Foundation too.”

Michelle, from Ovenden, Halifax and Jane from Southowram, work at both HRI and the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.