A VALLEYS man is trekking along the Himalayas in Nepal to raise money for a charity which helped his relative.

Richard Morgan, 30, from Griffithstown, will journey to the Far East next March for an eight-day hike through the Annapurna region.

He is raising money for Dogs for the Disabled, a charity which helped his brother-in-law's uncle, John Wyatt, who had an assistance dog after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The charity trains dogs to carry out a range of tasks including picking up dropped items, opening doors, alerting neighbours to any problems by barking and even emptying washing machines.

Mr Wyatt's dog, Freya, meant the difference between living alone and needing full-time care.

Mr Morgan, manager of Abergavenny's Tithe Barn and a Newport Street Pastor, has already begun his training in the Brecon Beacons and hopes to raise £6,000.

He will be trekking for eight to ten hours and day and will reach altitudes of 3,210m.

Mr Morgan said: "Freya made a huge improvement for John, she helped him open doors, get undressed and gave him confidence, enabling him to live a more independent life. I can't wait to start it and raise lots of money for the charity."

BLOB: To help Mr Morgan's cause, donations, made payable to Dogs for the Disabled, can be sent to Tithe Barn, Monk Street, Abergavenny NP7 5ND, or visit www.justgiving.com/treknepal2011