THE Star's advertisement manager Allen Crawford has set himself a huge challenge after agreeing to fly out alongside a 26 strong team to climb Kala Patthar - which is one step higher than Everest Base Camp - all in aid of The Steve Prescott Foundation.

The team will jet out to Kathmandu from Manchester Airport today, Tuesday, October 16 for the Coeus Insurance Base Camp Challenge.

The adventure will see them taking on an 11 day trek from Lukla to Nepal Everest Basecamp (5,364m) before climbing to the summit of Kala Patthar (5,545m).

Other team members include Bex Dixon, who is the assistant of comedian Johnny Vegas, businessman Andy Mikhail and former BARLA rugby league international Mick Ledger.

Linzi Prescott, widow of Steve, is also among the group.

Dad-of-two Allen, 48, said: "I am proud to be representing The Steve Prescott foundation and fully support the charity in any way I can. The group is inspirational and really pull together to support each other during events.

"I like that the charity has great St Helens roots, representing the character of the town and some great things have been achieved since it was founded - so I'm just pleased to be a small part of that, continuing to make a difference when and where I can.

"I regularly run the St Helens 10k, captained a team in It’s a Knockabout, completed the 'I'm a Precky fan get me out of here' and also walked from Saints to Old Trafford and I'm looking forward to this next challenge."

The group will be inspired in their epic challenge by the memory of Saints legend Steve Prescott MBE who died after a long battle with cancer.

They will be raising funds and awareness for the SPF nominated charities the Rugby League benevolent Fund (Try Assist), The Christie and the SPF Special Causes Fund.

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and is visited by thousands of trekkers each year. The trek is considered strenuous and will be a test of fitness, stamina and determination for all the climbers in the true spirit of Steve Prescott.

Linzi Prescott, Steve's widow and trustee of the foundation, added: “Allen and the St Helens Star have been great supporters of the Steve Prescott Foundation and family since Stephen was first diagnosed in 2007.

"Allen has a great personality and will be amongst other great characters who will work together and pull each other through.

"It is very humbling that so many have once again gave up their precious time with their families to help those less fortunate than ourselves and continue Stephen's legacy.

"They will have an experience of a lifetime, Stephens mantra 'What the mind believes the body achieves' will be put to the test but his spirit will be with all our trekkers.”

To support Allen you can donate via his JustGiving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/allencrawford1.