A MOUNTAIN trekker who escaped a killer snowstorm in Nepal is now campaigning to help victims of the devastating earthquake.

Phil Anslow from Weymouth is a frequent visitor to Nepal where he organises treks in the Himalayas.

He was last in the country in October 2014 - his 14th visit - to tackle the Annapurna Circuit when a snowstorm hit the region and killed more than 40 people.

Mr Anslow, 58, and his companions could well have been among the victims but anticipating the severe weather they decided to seek shelter at lower altitude and delay tackling the circuit - a decision that saved their lives.

After hearing about Saturday’s 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which so far has claimed 5,000 lives and affected millions of people, Mr Anslow is now desperate to do something to support a country he calls his ‘second home’.

He has organised a fundraising walk around Portland and Weymouth on Saturday, May 9 and invites others to join him.

Dad-of-one Mr Anslow, who works as a landscape gardener and also runs the Fossil Fun for Kids art workshops, said: “I felt helpless and wanted to do something to raise money and awareness. It’s a way of getting some money together for Shelterbox which is what they’re going to need over there as they try to get their lives back together and it’s the start of the monsoon season which will add to problems.

“When I heard about the earthquake I immediately thought about all the people I knew over there including the family I sponsor. As far as I know they are safe.

“It’s absolutely tragic to hear of the death and destruction including the World Heritage Site destroyed.

“It’s difficult to get around there at the best of times but now it will be virtually impossible for anyone to move around, except by helicopter.

“I was planning an expedition later this year but I don’t think that will happen now, maybe we will go to try and help.”

Mr Anslow said people are welcome to join the walk anywhere along the route. The starting point is the Chesil Beach Centre at 10am on May 9.

For more information contact him on 07771 395037 or email philipanslow@hotmail.com