Paul heading for even greater heights in latest fundraising trek

Kirrie: Hairdresser has raised more than £15,000 for charity since turning 40

A Kirriemuir hairdresser working his way through his bucket list is taking his challenge to the limit.

Paul Soutar, 45, who runs Paul’s Hair Studio, has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, walked part of the Great Wall of China and taken part in every Cancer Research UK Kirriemuir Relay for Life.

Over the years he has raised more than £15,000 for local charities and is about to embark on his most ambitious challenge to date.

On March 17 he flies to Nepal to trek through the Himalaya mountains to Everest base camp, hoping to raise funds for three charities close to his heart.

His fundraising drive began when he turned 40, when he raised money for the Scottish SPCA and Kirriemuir First Responders.

His trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2016 resulted in donations to Down’s Syndrome, MND

“I am taking things to the extreme. It is just another thing I would like to tick off my bucket list of things I would like to do in my lifetime. PAUL SOUTAR

and Juvenile Diabetes Research, and his Great Wall walk last year raised funds for Action for ME, Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (Sudep) and the Kirriemuir Relay for Life.

All proceeds from this trip will go to the Kirriemuir Community Sports Club, the learning support group at Southmuir Primary School and Prostate Scotland.

On the 16-day trip Paul will trek through the highest villages in the world, experience sunrise over the Khumbu glacier, visit the monastery at Tengboche, climb to Kala Patthar and gaze up at Everest from the base camp.

Paul said: “I am taking things to the extreme.

“It is just another thing I would like to tick off my bucket list of things I would like to do in my lifetime.

“But there are still plenty of things I want to do and see after this.”

Paul’s dedication to supporting local causes resulted in his business being named Best Kirriemuir Business in the 2016 Angus Business Awards and an invitation to the Royal garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, which he attended with his parents, David and Christine.

Anyone wishing to support Paul in his latest venture can do so through his Justgiving page at justgiving.com/paulsoutar3.

jathomson@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Kim Cessford. Paul Soutar, 45, is planning to trek to Mount Everest base camp to raise funds for a number of charities.