CLIMBING Mount Everest once would be a challenge too far for most.

But Carl Rawes is bidding to do the equivalent of climbing the peak 16 times in a row as he takes on the fearsome US Appalachian Mountain Trail.

And former Culcheth High School pupil Carl, who now lives in Cardiff, is doing it to help raise money for a cause close to his heart.

His old school friend Andy Stevenson set up a charity called Reverse Rett after his daughter was born with the neurological condition.

Half the money raised from the 45-year-old’s challenge will go to that charity with the other half going to The Royal British Legion.

The Appalachian Mountain Trail is famous from the Bill Bryson book A Walk in the Woods, and over 2,186 miles takes in 14 states before finishing in Baxter Peak Maine.

Carl set off last week from Georgia in winter conditions but by the time he reaches the mid-Atlantic states will face hot and humid weather.

Speaking before his adventure started Carl said: “I am by no means a novice, but this really is my biggest challenge so far and I’m aiming to raise £10,000 for two charities that are very close to my heart. Rett Syndrome is a terrible brain disorder affecting young girls but it has been proven curable in the lab and scientists are currently working to make the cure a reality.

“Also I served 12 years in both the Army and Royal Navy and the British Legion is always my charity of choice when it comes to supporting the British forces”.

He is aiming to walk between 20 and 22 miles each day, carrying his kit and sleeping under canvas each night before finishing by the end of July.

Before he set off for the US, Carl met up with Warrington Wolves star and Reverse Rett ambassador Gareth O’Brien who donated his 2012 Super League Grand Final shirt for Carl to auction in aid of his challenge.

Carl will be posting Twitter updates on his trek using @carlrawes and accepting donations at justgiving.com/teams/carlsappalachiantrail.