SUNDERLAND: The managing director of Thompson Building Centres, one of the largest independent builders' merchants in the North East, is set to reach new heights as she prepares to conquer the world's most challenging mountain climb in aid of some of the region's most worthy causes.

Anne Ganley, the three-time winner of the Achiever of the Year category of the Builders' Merchants Awards for Excellence, is to take part in an adventure which will see her travel next month to Everest's base camp as part of a group of 20 business people from the region.

As well as taking on what she sees as a life-changing personal challenge, Mrs Ganley is using the trip to support a range of charities from across the North East with which she has a personal connection.

Thompson Building Centres has donated around £1m in cash to charities over the years and Mrs Ganley is hoping to boost this total. She is supporting those with whom she has a 20 year or more relationship and those groups she has agreed to support more in more recent times. 

Mrs Ganley will be setting off on the expedition on 30 April and is now hoping to encourage support from business colleagues, friends, family and contacts within the builders' merchants industry.

"This is definitely the challenge of a lifetime," she said. "Going to Everest in something I'd never even thought about but now that I've agreed to it I'm very excited. I also want to try and raise as much as possible for the charities I support."

Money raised by Mrs Ganley will be divided between St Benedict's Hospice in Sunderland and Newcastle's St Oswald's Hospice, the Bobby Robson Foundation, Wearside's Grace House, the Brothers in Arms campaign and the Salvation Army.

Those who wish to support Mrs Ganley's efforts can do it through her page at everyclick or by sending a cheque made payable to 'Anne Ganley's Charity Challenge' to Thompson Building Centres, Commercial Road, Hendon, Sunderland SR2 8QR. Supporters can also keep track of her trek on Twitter and Facebook.