A TEAM of walkers from Westbury set off for a once-in-a-lifetime experience yesterday (Tuesday).

The 29 walkers left for their three-week expedition in the Himalayas, where they will see how the money they have raised to help people in the region is being put to use, as well as take in the breathtaking scenery of the Nepalese mountain range.

In December last year, Army Major Rab Lundie assembled the team of Westbury people to take on the Westbury 2 Everest expedition and has taken them on a series of training hikes.

Speaking just before their departure, he said: “We’re all very excited now.

“Everyone has put 14 months of hard work into this, walking in some incredibly treacherous conditions.

“Thanks to very generous sponsorship money from the likes of Arla Foods and Howdens Joinery we will be able to see how the area has improved after the devastating earthquake.”

The team met in Tesco’s car park on Tuesday, where they were serenaded by the Warminster Military Wives Choir before departing.

They were due to fly from Heathrow to Hamad International Airport in Doha before flying on to Tenzing–Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport, which is one of the most dangerous in the world.

In July the team climbed Tryfan, Glyder Fach, Glyder Faw, and Snowdonia in Wales to prepare them for the altitudes they will face, which could reach over 5,000.

Tracey Hyde, one of the walkers, said: “I’m really excited but quite nervous too.

“Apparently the altitude will affect us as soon as we land so that’s going to be a real challenge.

“I’ve never done more than two days of intense walking in a row so that’s going to be very new to me.

“It’s also going to be really rewarding seeing how the money we’ve raised is being put to use in communities affected by the earthquake.”

Arla Foods, which runs the Westbury dairy on the Northacre business park, donated £3,000 which will be used to rebuild a library flattened in the earthquake and Howdens in Warminster donated £500.

The group has raised a total of £4,800 through sponsorship money which it will give to Maiti Nepal, a charity helping victims of sex trafficking.