A DAD and daughter from Johnstone are on top of the world after conquering a mammoth trek to Everest Base Camp to raise more than £7,000 for a veteran’s charity.

Avid hillwalkers John and Pamela Ross decided to take on the gruelling challenge for Erskine after Pamela’s grandpa James was cared for by the charity for more than three years before he died in 2016.

James, who was John’s father-in-law, was cared for at the Erskine Park Home in Bishopton, where is wife Anne is now staying.

READ MORE: Quadruple amputee on top of the world after climbing Kilimanjaro

Having caught the trekking bug on a previous trip to Peru, Pamela had Everest on her bucket list and had booked to go, before John decided he also fancied the challenge.

Both had completed the West Highland Way before, but they knew tackling the highest mountain range in the world would be a whole other story. 

And John admitted it was one of the most difficult things he’d ever faced, but an incredible experience. 

The Gazette: John and Pamela Ross reached Mount Everest Base Camp and raised £7,000 for Erskine in memory of grandpa and father-in-law JamesJohn and Pamela Ross reached Mount Everest Base Camp and raised £7,000 for Erskine in memory of grandpa and father-in-law James

The 61-year-old, who is a project manager at Robertson Group, said: “It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was totally exhilarating when we got there. It is an amazing achievement and to go through the whole experience with my daughter was really special.

“We took on the challenge because we cannot thank Erskine enough for everything they did for James and are now doing for Anne. James was living with dementia but the staff brought back the man we knew due to the love and care he received. We wanted to raise money to help Erskine continue to provide exceptional care and we are thrilled to have raised over £7,000 for the charity.”

It took eight long and tiring days for John and Pamela to reach Base Camp, with the pair walking for 10 to 12 hours every day fighting through temperatures as low as-20. 

READ MORE: Council to give boost to bid to save Thomas Coats Memorial

And after facing more than a few cases of headaches and altitude sickness, Pamela said it was hard to describe the feeling of reaching the top.

The 32-year-old teacher said: “The feeling I had when we reached our destination is difficult to put into words but getting to share that moment with my dad is one I will cherish forever. I would like to thank everyone who encouraged and sponsored us from the bottom of my heart.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond