TACKLING the biting cold and bitter winds of the Himalayan mountains, a young zookeeper from Colchester completed a trek to the foot of Mount Everest in memory of his beloved grandfather.

Liam Griggs, 21, decided to take on the challenge after his grandfather Terry died, shortly after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia.

Carrying everything he would need for the seven-day expedition on his back, Liam slogged to South Base Camp, at the foot of the highest mountain in the world, to raise money for Bloodwise.

He hopes the cash will help fund research and support for people with the disease, while fulfilling a challenge which would have made his grandad proud.

Liam, who works with giant tortoises at Colchester Zoo, said: “I lost my grandad, my mum’s dad, to leukaemia in September 2015 and it has been difficult ever since.

“We saw him every day, he was always there for me.

“He was like another father figure to me.

“At his funeral so many people turned out, it showed what a nice guy he is.

“Even at 80 years old he was so physically fit.

“He was diagnosed in May and was told it was terminal.

“It was a really hard time for us but he was so strong about it.

“As it started getting worse and he went downhill it was really hard to see him that way - he was a very proud man.

“When we lost him, my uncle did a sponsored cycle for Bloodwise and my grandad has left me some money.

“I didn’t want to waste it, so I thought I could make something good come from something bad.”

Terry Fenn, who died at the age of 80, served in the Army during the Suez Canal conflict in 1956 and later worked for the Eastern Electricity Board.

Liam, of Layer Road, Colchester, added: “You hear about cancer all the time, but it hits you hard when it affects someone you love.

“We are still getting used to it now.

“I grew up with him, at school I used to go round his for lunch, he would put the tea on and I can still remember the sound of ITV in the background.

“My grandad was passionate about animals and definitely pushed me towards my career.”

Liam began his challenge by being flown to an airport which is considered one of the most dangerous in the world.

Nepal’s Lukla airport, the gateway to Mount Everest, demands absolute precision to land successfully – thanks to a tiny, treacherous runway perched atop a steep cliff.

An array of deadly crashes, including one in 2008 which killed 18 people, has earned Lukla its nickname as the world’s most dangerous airport.

“That was scary as you are essentially landing on a cliff edge,” said Liam.

“My heart was in my mouth.

“I had never done anything like this before - this was my first time flying out anywhere alone.

“I took on the trek with a local guide who I met through a friend, I had been talking to him for six months before the trip to prepare.

“It took seven days to trek to base camp, including a rest day.

“The first day was a bit of a cultural shock but I was looking forward to that part.

“The people were so welcoming and lovely.

“We were already at 2,600 meters and from the word go you have to be careful with altitude - it can leave you short of breath and sick.

“We were taking it very slowly and I was really fortunate I didn’t get any major effects.

“I could see a few people getting airlifted off the mountain - that certainly made it feel real.

“I think everyone understood the level of the challenge and that it would be hard.

“I had been running three or four times a week to prepare.

“Each day was around six to seven hours through all weathers and terrain – including steep inclines and cliff edges.

“But it was beautiful and exciting.

“During any hard times and mental battles, the thought of fundraising and my grandad helped to keep me strong and motivated.”

Upon reaching base camp, Liam made sure to leave a picture of the man who had inspired his trek, together with a message and details of the charity.

After first flying out to Nepal, Liam finally returned home earlier this month.

To donate in support of Bloodwise and Liam’s challenge, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/LiamTGriggs.