A "hero" dad has completed a gruelling climb to Everest Base Camp for pupils with special educational needs. 

Kevin Hatch, aged 42, took part in the 14-day sponsored trek to raise £12,000 for pupils at Chadsgrove School in Bromsgrove. 

The idea came after Mr Hatch had been part of the Severn Trent team called to lay new mains in the Catshill area in 2019 which left part of a road shut. 

He visited the nearby school to explain the potential traffic issues and this is when he first met the incredible pupils with special educational needs and saw the great work of dedicated staff. 

The dad-of-four said: "There was an instant connection. The kids were so happy and the teachers were all amazing and clearly loved their jobs. I just left feeling I wanted to do something to help the school and its children." 

Mr Hatch, who leads a Network Response Team at Severn Trent, has since organised a Tiny Forest to be planted at the school and has helped improve the playground by putting down new Tarmac and slabs. 

His love for the school has now led him to complete the daunting journey of walking to Everest Base Camp and back after flying halfway around the world to Nepal. 

He said: "Like most schools, funding is an issue, so I wanted to do something to help practically by raising as much money as possible. 

"I knew a sponsored walk up a hill was never going to raise enough money, so I set my sights on reaching Everest Base Camp. It is more than 5,000 metres above sea level so it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. 

"Some of the people in our group fell sick and had to give up. I had a wobble on one of the days as I struggled to acclimatise, but I thought of those amazing children, the devoted teachers and those who had donated and it spurred me on. I knew I had to just grit my teeth and get on with it." 

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Kevin Hatch on his way to Everest Base Camp Kevin Hatch on his way to Everest Base Camp (Image: Severn Trent)

After returning from Nepal, Mr Hatch, who is now an Enterprise Advisor at Chadsgrove, presented the cheque to the school with the headteacher describing him as a "hero". 

Headteacher Deb Rattley added: "Kev has become an integral part of our school community and we are immensely grateful for his tireless efforts and remarkable contributions. 

"His recent trek to Everest Base Camp not only showcases his adventurous spirit but also exemplifies his dedication to supporting our school's mission.

"We are truly fortunate to have him as a friend and advocate for our school." 

The school is now working on plans for how to spend the much-needed boost to its funds.

Mr Hatch, who is both a father of two and a foster parent to two more children with his wife Louise, said he will continue to help the school and the pupils are his inspiration. 

He said: "Louise is super proud of me but she is the real superhero in my eyes with everything that she does. My colleagues and leaders at Severn Trent have been very supportive of me and the school. 

"If you are ever having a bad day, you only have to think about how happy these children are despite all the challenges they face. That is how you should try to be in life."