A DETERMINED Droitwich man is preparing for a gruelling charity challenge to climb Africa’s highest mountain.

Mike Russell, from Dovecote Road, will attempt to conquer the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro on October 11.

He hopes to scale the Tanzanian mountain in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.

Mr Russell, who works at Bromsgrove’s Waste Management Solutions, said: “The challenge will take 11 days in total and will include seven days of trekking. I have been training and can’t wait to get started.

“Apart from now denying myself the usual amounts of beer and curry in an effort to get fit for this challenge, I also wanted to raise money for a cause that I felt made a real difference to the people it served.

“If I can reach the top of Kilimanjaro whilst also making a small difference to the lives of the children that Make-A-Wish support, then every aching limb or blister will be worth it.”

Anyone who would like to support Mike Russell can visit justgiving.com/mike-russellwms