Jason Thompson is undergoing regular training sessions ahead of the gruelling hike next month, raising money for Yorkhill Children’s Charity.

The 39-year-old told the Post: “I’m nervous, anxious and excited.

“I’m happy to be raising money for such a worthwhile cause. I have a lot of friends and family members who have used Yorkhill, they are amazing professionals.

“It would also be a massive achievement for me and I would effectively be on top of the world.” For Jason and his four colleagues from HP, even reaching the base camp will not be without its dangers.

The journey from Glasgow to Kathmandu will see the explorers travelling for nearly 30 hours before embarking on a flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla, Nepal.

The married father-of-one said: “Lukla is known as one of the most dangerous airports in the world. It is right on the edge of a cliff and we’ll be flying there on a 15-seater plane.” Training has included regular gym sessions, taking to the Kilpatrick Hills and Ben Lomond as the team prepares for the 100km trek, which will see Jason walking up to nine hours every day for 12 days.

Among the risks will be altitude sickness and injury, also crossing suspension bridges with drops of up to 1,000 feet.

The Drumchapel man is in no doubt about the size of the challenge that awaits.

Jason, of Summerhill Drive, said: “You can only do so much training - the fittest person in the world could get severe altitude sickness. “We’ll have a doctor from the UK with us and we’ll be monitored. If there are any signs of problems, we will be taken to a lower altitude.” The decision to undertake the trek was partly to raise money for charity - but also to prove a point.

In 2000, Jason was struck down by chronic sciatica in his back. The condition took a turn for the worst in 2007, leaving him in agony and unable to get out of bed.

Seven injections, two operations and months of rehabilitation later, Jason was able to return to work.

Now, he is hoping to finally prove to himself - and those around him - that he is up to climbing the highest mountain in the world. Jason said: “My family are nervous but they know I have put in the time and training. My wife has supported me through everything.

“I’ll come back a changed man, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s for a worthwhile cause and it would be an incredible achievement.” Ahead of the trek up Everest, Jason has organised a fundraising comedy night.

Hosted by Rob Kane, the event in the Goodyear Club takes place on Friday, September 5 and gets under way at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £7, with proceeds going to Yorkhill Children’s Charity. A donation will also be made to the Drumchapel food bank.

Anyone looking to support Jason can donate via his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/jasonmitchellthompson