The upbeat Rotarian from Berry has a passion for mountaineering and paragliding, and will combine his twin loves for good in 2021.

Rotary International is dedicated to eradicating polio, and Ken knew he would have to do something big to attract significant donations.

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Becoming the oldest person to paraglide from the summit of Mt Everest seemed like it might fit the bill.

"Mountaineering is a selfish sort of sport, so I tried to give it away, but polio is still there and the lure of the mountains was still there," he said.

"Gliding is not as difficult - you can either launch in the conditions at the top or not. And most mountaineering accidents happen on the way down, so it's much safer."

Ken has climbed mountain peaks around the world, but this will be his first Everest attempt.

He said to fundraise for polio, choosing Everest was a no-brainer.

"So many people want to climb it, and because of that I always steered clear," he said.

"But when you're raising money it's the one to go for."

Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5.

The virus is spread person to person, usually through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system and may lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine

Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The ambitious project hasn't all been smooth sailing. Ken sought approval from the Nepalese Government, and the minister he worked with was killed in a helicopter crash before signing off on the application.

He had to begin the application process from scratch - then the bushfires and COVID-19 struck.

However, it looks as though 2021 will be Ken's year, with tentative approval in place.

Ken said he wasn't daunted by the prospect of being the oldest person to paraglide from the summit.

He said setting an "achievable but very difficult" goal was immensely satisfying.

"Mountaineering gets in your blood - and you really get a pull to go back to the mountains," he said.

"I enjoy keeping fit and there are worn out knees and things now but that's just another obstacle to overcome.

"I wouldn't consider myself an adrenalin junkie but there's something about it.

"If you can't achieve it, it's not to be, but I want to give it a good shot."

For Ken, the wait is tougher than the climb.

But if it goes some way to eradicating polio, it's worth it.

To donate or support the initiative, contact Berry Rotary via their website.