An Ealing hotel-owner has decided to brave the Himalayas in a climbing expedition to raise money for charity.

Ashok Sharma, 56, who runs the Gresham Hotel on Hangar Lane on Ealing Common, will be climbing 20,000 feet to raise money for the Arthritis Research campaign.

The ten day climb, which will take Mr Sharma to some of the most isolated and splendid regions in Nepal and Katmandu, began this week. He left the country on Friday.

Mr Sharma decided to dedicate his climb to raising money for arthritis because he has seen many people close to him suffering with the debilitating disease.

Several of the hotelier's family members have severe arthritis.

'My wife suffers from it (arthritis) and my mother, and it is a very under-represented disease where charity is concerned,' said Mr Sharma.

'Not many people are aware of the situation of arthritis, and how many people it affects.'

Away for 10 days, Mr Sharma is not expecting the climb to be too gruelling: 'It should be a gentle pace, as there are people of all ages joining in.'

Mr Sharma has already raised £1,200 for the medical charity, £800 pounds less than his target of £2000. His major sponsors have been friends and family, although a few local banks have also made donations.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Mr Sharma can call the hotel on 8992 0016.