This October, I will be taking on a personal challenge — trekking to Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and the Gokyo Lakes in Nepal.

I am using this challenge to raise funds for Wigan Hospice, a local charity providing free specialist care and support to patients and their families in our community.

I have had the privilege of working as a GP in the Wigan borough, particularly in the Leigh area, for more than 20 years. During this time, I have seen first-hand the enormous difference that hospice care makes to patients and their families.

The hospice nurses and wider team go above and beyond to provide compassionate care, support and dignity to people at an incredibly difficult time in their lives.

I would be very grateful for your support.

Whether it is £5, £10, £20 or any amount you can afford, every contribution will help support the valuable work of Wigan Hospice.

Every donation, however small, can make a difference.

Thank you very much for your kindness and support.

I hope to share photographs from the trek after completing the challenge, both on our practice website and in the practice reception.

Thank you for helping me support Wigan Hospice.

Dr Akalanka Weerasekara

GP – Lilford & Pennington Park Surgery Leigh

Everest Base Camp • Kala Patthar • Gokyo Lakes

October 2026