Kevin Hayes is preparing to get to the top of Everest Picture Ref: 78741-76AUGUST 5, 2005: DETERMINED Kevin Hayes says suffering from diabetes won't stop him conquering Mount Everest.

The married dad-of-three, from Shaw, needs five injections a day to keep the condition under control.

But on October 14 he will join other diabetics from across the UK for a walk up the world's highest peak.

Mr Hayes, 50, an adult learning tutor, hopes to raise £5,000 for the Swindon branch of Diabetes UK.

The two-week trek will take the group 17,500ft up to base camp.

And Mr Hayes revealed he is out to prove a point to himself.

"Diabetes can inhibit you to an extent but you have to be positive and do what you can," he said. "I was diagnosed with the condition in 1990 and I've been taking insulin for the past 10 years.

"Injecting when I'm up Everest will be difficult but I'll manage.

"I'm excited about doing this trip but I'm also cautious. I hope that I'll be able to get myself fit in time.

"In terms of managing the diabetes a doctor will be joining us who will be keeping an eye on us.

"Each of us will also be monitoring our own conditions."

Mr Hayes said turning 50 was an important milestone.

"It made me realise that I wanted to do something special," he said.

"I had a flyer about this challenge so I got in touch with Diabetes UK.

"As far as I know I'll be only person from Swindon taking part. I'll be joined by between 25 and 30 others from other parts of the UK.

"The age range is 25 to 65 so I'll be among the oldest.

"It will be a great experience and I'll certainly be taking some photographs."

The group can expect to cover up to 15km of difficult terrain each day and Mr Hayes' training is already well under way.

He has been walking with sons, Edmund, 18, and Nathan, 17.

He said: "It's been useful but you can't really train for altitude walking.

"Breathing tends to start getting difficult when you hit 10,000ft."

Depending on how well the trek goes, Mr Hayes hasn't ruled out further challenges.

"This may make me want to do more we'll just have to wait and see," he said.

Mr Hayes will fly from Heathrow to Kathmandu. He will then make his way to Lukla, which is the starting point of the challenge. He returns on October 30.

Kevin Shoesmith