NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk Navy veteran will attempt to climb Mount Everest next week to raise money for a national nonprofit.   Brian O’Malley may be in his 60s, but he told 10 On Your Side his age isn’t going to stop him from taking on the challenge of a lifetime.   He’s been busy preparing for the journey by working out and sleeping in a special tent to help him acclimate to the change in altitude once he starts.   “I feel very strong physically," O'Malley said. "I feel very strong mentally. I'm ready." O’Malley got the inspiration to attempt this journey in 2023 when he was recovering from a back surgery.   "I found myself watching a lot of documentaries on Mount Everest,” O’Malley said. “I made a pact with myself that if my back gets back to 100% that I wanted to do something significant.”  He’s using the challenge as a chance to fundraiser for Tunnels to Towers, a nonprofit that supports military members and first responders.  So far, he has raised more than $16,000.   "The reason we love Tunnel to Towers is because not only does it support all of our military service members and stuff, it also supports first responders," O’Malley said.   He added that he understands the risks that can come with attempting to climb Everest, so that’s why he took a trip recently to prepare.   "My brother-in-law and myself went out to the Nepal area, to the Himalayas just about a month ago, and we tracked about 100 miles through the Himalayas and about 10,000 feet or so [of] an elevation change," O'Malley said. "I acclimated well with the elevation change."  If he succeeds, he'll be one of the oldest Americans to have summited. O’Malley also plans to document his journey, one he hopes will make a difference and inspire others.   "I really believe that God has given me this one more opportunity," O'Malley said, "by giving me a good back that will allow me to do this." ...read more read less