Ian Fozard is to be reunited with the former Operations Director of the company, Gil Richardson, on a summit attempt of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain.

Ian, 55, who set up Market Town Taverns in 1999, is training hard to be able accompany Gil on her second attempt of summit after she was forced off the mountain last summer by high winds.

The pair aim to raise money for the new patient facilities at the new Yorkshire Cancer Centre – the Bexley Wing at St James’ Hospital in Leeds which was officially opened by the Princess Royal last month.

Gil, decided to do something “epic” when she left the company in May 2007 the same month as she celebrated her 50th birthday, and decided to climb the highest peak in eight Western European countries – a combined height of almost two Everests to fundraise for the campaign, setting a target of £25,000.

This year the challenge will start with an acclimatisation ascent of Grand Paradiso, the highest mountain in Italy and then move on to Mont Blanc.

Ian said: “When Gil told me of her plans to return to the Alps this summer, I heard myself saying – ‘That sounds great, can I come, too?’ I’ve always loved being in the Alps but, until now, I’ve only ever experienced them in the ski season when you can use a lift to get to the top.

“Gil has already raised nearly £19,000 and it is a pleasure to be able to help her achieve the final target.

“Despite the much-talked about financial doom and gloom in the licenced trade, our suppliers and customers have been only too happy to help. We have organised two charity fund raising dinners in our taverns and have commissioned a special beers – Mont Blanc Ale – from the Elland Brewery.

“This will be on sale in every one of our ten taverns in August and 25p per pint sold will go towards the charity fund.”

Gil’s successor as Operations Director, Simon Midgley, also led a team in the annual Knaresborough Bed Race to raise money for the campaign.

Gil said: “The climb will be a huge challenge for both of us and it will be interesting to see how we get on. We were used to running a company together but being roped together on a snowfield or rock face is a different matter.

“It’s an enormous physical challenge but, no matter how fit and physically prepared you are, you can never tell how the altitude will affect you. I was lucky last year in that I didn’t suffer headaches or nausea which are common effects but I did find it impossible to sleep and really difficult to get enough oxygen for each step.”

Guided by mountain guide Andi Helmer, Ian and Gil will spend two nights in very basic huts on Mont Blanc before getting up at 2am on the third day to set off for the summit.

“We were always grumpy with each other in the mornings when we were in the office together – so this really could be an interesting experience!” said Gil.