Six teenagers who will be trekking to the Base Camp of Mount Everest in aid of Help for Heroes have already reached their fundraising target of £8,000.

The 16 and 17-year-old Wiltshire Army cadets have been raising money for the trip for over a year.

They chose to raise money for Help for Heroes as they know of people, including former Army cadet Josh Campbell, who have been helped by the charity.

Private Campbell was blown up while serving in Afghanistan last year and had to have his legs amputated. He has been at Headley Court Rehabilitation Complex in Surrey learning to walk.

Pt Campbell was a member of the Army Cadet Force in Melksham when he was a teenager.

Instructor Amanda Rowley said: “Josh worked very hard when he was a cadet and he did what he could to help everyone. After he had been injured his dad came in to reassure us about his injuries. I have spoken to Josh on Facebook.

“Some of those in the regular Army who help us with the cadets are going to be deployed to Afghanistan soon and it does bring it home.”

Miss Rowley, who now is an instructor in Devizes, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work with the fundraising and the cadets have done a phenonemal job.

“They had set themselves a target of £8,000 but they have raised almost £8,500 and now they want to get to £9,000.”

The cadets doing the expedition are Dan Hannan, of Swindon, Chris Beckett, of Chippenham, Ellis Capon, of Market Lavington, Jake Langton, of Market Lavington, Sophie Scotford, of Swindon, and Heather Brickell of Trowbridge.

Four instructors will also be doing the trek which starts on October 24 with a flight to Katmandhu.The base camp is at an altitude of 5,500 metres.

To sponsor the cadets go to www.justgiving.com/cadets-faceuptoeverestforh4h The organiser of a Volkswagen rally to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Help for Heroes is appealing for help with programme printing.

Robert Veysey is planning to hold the event in Hullavington and finish with a drive of vintage Volkswagens through Wootton Bassett.

Anyone able to help is asked to call 07770 800402.