A Westmount man who scaled Mount Kilimanjaro two years ago to raise money for a children's charity is taking on a similar challenge with a climb up Mount Everest.

"I'm more of a horseman and a swimmer than I am a climber, but I discovered trekking and mountaineering," says Claude Chevalier, the Victoria Avenue resident who is part of a team of 26 trekkers who will climb to the mountain's base camp.

"Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Of course we are only going to the base camp, but it's also a challenge and for a good cause."

On the heels of a successful climb of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2007, when 29 climbers reached that summit, Make-A-Wish Quebec is out to repeat the success. François Langlois, a seasoned professional climber, is guiding a limited number of people up the world’s highest mountain. Langlois is the third Quebecer to successfully reach its summit.

Located in the Himalayan Mountains, Mount Everest is situated between Nepal and Tibet. The expedition, which takes place between May 10 and May 30, intends to raise $200,000. The starting point will be the small village of Lukla, east of Kathmandu, Nepal, and will finish at the base camp 5,380 metres up the mountain.

Some of the training Chevalier has undergone in preparation includes scaling the back of Mont Tremblant over a period of nine hours. There were also several other mountain climbing treks.

Chevalier, 66, says people have suggested that maybe he is too old to take on such an adventure. "I say I'm never too old," he answers. While not an avid fitness buff, he swims and exercises. Most mornings, he does 100 situps. "That's my way to get up in the morning and do something. It’s good conditioning for muscle tone.

"In Ste Adèle, where I have a cottage, I swim around the lake, which is around three-and-a-half kilometres," he says, noting that he does it slowly. His exercise regime has also included repeatedly climbing outdoor staircases up the side of Westmount and Mount Royal with a 15-pound backpack.

He is paying nearly $9,000 out of his own pocket for the Everest trek. He’ll be raising about that amount for Make-A-Wish from donors pledges. His group aims to raise more than $250,000. For more information or to pledge a donation,visit the expedition’s web site: www.makeawish.ca