A PETERSFIELD store will have double the reason to celebrate when its owner returns from a Himalayan adventure.

Bran Tub owner, Gillian Silverthorn, is flying to Nepal this Sunday to join a fundraising trek to Everest base camp.

The businesswomen hopes her 16-day adventure will raise funds and awareness for Save The Rhino (STR) and Animal Asia.

But there will be a special homecoming as her return to Petersfield will coincide with the 40th birthday of her Lavant Street store.

Gillian has paid for the Everest experience with her own funds while she is especially passionate about rhinos, as she has run three out of 10 London Marathons in aid of STR.

She said: “Rhinos are poached for their horn as people believe it will cure everything from headaches to cancer, although all scientific studies have proved it has no medicinal properties.

“I’m also hoping to raise awareness for Animal Asia because they are devoted to ending the barbaric bile farming.

“They also promote change and alternatives to animal products to use in traditional medicine, and also monitor and investigate the live dog meat market trade.”

Gillian has already raised more than £700 with proceeds from her www.virginmoneygiving.com/gilliansilverton page being split between the two charities.

She is also auctioning some artwork of a rare Sudanese rhino and a moonbear by Amy Proud Illustration and David Horgan Art, respectively, to swell the coffers further. To make a bid message Gillian Silverthorn on Facebook Messenger.