AN AMBITIOUS man from Newbury will soon be attempting to set two Guinness World Records on Mount Everest.

Matthew Franklin will be part of a team taking on the incredible attempt of participating in a world record-breaking rugby match on the highest mountain in the world.

As chief executive of award-winning IT services firm, Newbury-based Roc Technologies, Mr Franklin is taking part in the LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Challenge, which will set out to stage the highest game of full contact rugby and the highest game of mixed touch rugby in history.

The group, comprised of four former international rugby players, leading business executives and other members of the rugby community, will set off on April 13 to battle acclimatisation and an altitude of 6,500 metres as they attempt to raise £200,000 for children’s charity, Wooden Spoon.

They are set to return on May 6.

Former players include Lee Mears (England) and Shane Williams (Wales), who boast almost 140 international caps between them.

Ollie Phillips, a former star of the international Rugby Sevens circuit, and Tamara Taylor, a legend of the women's game, having represented England more than 100 times, are the other star players.

The money raised will be used by Wooden Spoon to help fund charitable projects across the UK and Ireland.

The charity uses the power of rugby to positively transform the lives of children and young people with disabilities, as well as those facing disadvantage.

Mr Franklin, diagnosed with a faulty aortic valve in his heart, is facing potential open heart surgery.

Speaking about the challenge, he said: "I have taken on the Everest climb because I like to challenge myself – what more epic way of challenging myself could there be that taking on the world's highest mountain.

"I have always wanted to climb Mount Everest and this amazing project is also a perfect opportunity to do something for good causes whilst I am still fit enough."

Sarah Webb, CEO of Wooden Spoon, said: "Every day, children and young people around the UK and Ireland attempt to overcome their own Everest.

"We are so pleased to have Matt on board, representing the people of Berkshire.

"The money he raises will help support local charities in his area.

"We want to provide this inspirational community with a platform to share their voices, which will not only be heard by the children and young people we support at Wooden Spoon, but they may also be heard by others who need our help."

Visit Mr Franklin's fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matt-franklin-everest.