A Fundraising fanatic is planning to tackle Africa's highest peak, just two weeks after completing the London Marathon.

Danny Liftan of Stansfield Road, Benfleet, is back in training and looking to raise enough sponsorship so he can get to the top of Kilamanjaro.

Danny, 45, has already completed 13 marathons and 80 half-marathons to raise money for a variety of charities.

On one occasion he donated £1,500 to a new diabetic wing at Southend Hospital.

Danny is now gearing up for his next big challenge and hoping to make a difference to the lives of celebral palsy sufferers. He plans to get to the top of Kilamanjaro's Uhuru peak, which is 19,340 feet above sea level, in just six days.

Then, after a short rest, he will start training for next year's London Marathon.

Danny said: "Because the marathon and climb are still a while away, my training is not too intensive at this stage - I'm doing two, ten-mile runs about twice a week.

"I also enjoy football and play that twice a week in order to keep my fitness levels up. "This will be my first major climb. I've climbed Snowdon in Wales, but in comparison to Africa's Uhuru's peak, that's a toy.

"When I take on these challenges I like to make sure a good cause benefits - and improving the lot of celebral palsy sufferers and their families definitely seems a worthwhile cause.

"Basically I love running and I love raising money for charity, it's great that I can do both at the same time."

Before this however, he must first raise a minimum of £2,750 so is actively looking for sponsors. Those interested in ensuring that Danny makes it to Africa early next year can contact him on 01268 453903.

Published Monday, April 28, 2003

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