The great natural beauty of the Manx countryside has prompted a newcomer to the Isle of Man to undertake a spectacular trek to raise money to protect it.

Kai Botha, who lives in Douglas, is the new digital marketing manager for Capital International Group, which sponsors the Manx Wildlife Trust.

He plans to raise £1,000 for the trust by trekking to the Everest base camp in Nepal over 10 days.

Mr Botha said: ’Since relocating to the Isle of Man I’ve found that one of the most endearing qualities of the island is its spectacular natural wilderness. And today, after 10 months on the island, I am still in awe of this place.

’So, in an effort to celebrate this beautiful island and in partnership with the Manx Wildlife Trust, I’m attempting to raise £1,000 over the next six weeks.’

Mr Botha’s trek starts on December 3, when he sets off from Lukla airport in Nepal, heading for Everest base camp - a distance of 93 miles and reaching an altitude of 17,600 feet above sea level.

’Seeing Everest up close has long been an ambition of mine, but the trek also presents an opportunity to raise funding and promote a conservation charity that is very close to my heart,’ he said.

’Manx Wildlife Trust goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that this beautiful island and its nature reserves are protected. If 100 people contribute just £10 pounds each, that’s £1 for each of the 10 days that I will be walking for, we can reach our target of raising £1,000 for Manx Wildlife Trust.’

Manx Wildlife Trust marketing and membership manager Graham Makepeace-Warne said: ’Many people think Manx Wildlife Trust is a government funded agency, but this is not the case. We are a charitable trust and as such rely heavily on fundraising and income from membership.

’We are enjoying a fantastic relationship with Capital International who are gold corporate members of Manx Wildlife Trust and will be helping with a volunteering day at the Ramsey Forest Project this week.

’Fundraising efforts, like Kai’s sponsored walk to the Everest base camp, really make a difference in supporting the work that we do. £1 for each day he spends walking isn’t much but will go a long way to helping us to protect Manx wildlife for the future. We wish him luck with his challenge.’

To donate, follow the link to Kai’s funding page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/douglas-to-base-camp