STAFF from Hereford County Hospital are heading to Nepal for two reasons.

Surgeon Mike Smith, theatre sister Sarah Hill and consultant anaesthetist Richard Harding are heading to an "ear camp" to help residents with hearing problems.

And in 2014, three nurses will be going to Nepal to hike across the Himalayas raising money for the young patients at County Hospital's children’s ward.

Mike, an ear, nose and throat specialist, has dedicated nearly 20 years to providing essential treatment for patients in Nepal with hearing problems, many of whom are children who have never seen a doctor or healthcare professional.

More than 1,000 patients will walk for miles to receive treatment at the ear camps, which Mike has been running since 1993.

Himalayan trail

Nurses Helen Lund, Jo Parham and Lois Phillips and friend Carolyn Brookes  are in training for a spring 2014 trek across the roof of the world inspired by the youngsters they care for every day.

Kick-starting the fund-raising is a festive party at Hereford United FC on November 24.

Helen said the “ambitious challenge” will raise money for monitors needed by children in the ward’s high dependency unit.