A FIRST responder will be a part of a 20-strong team tackling the highest mountain in Africa.

Martin Ford, from Colchester, will be taking on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its summit is about 4,900 metres from its base.

The mountain climb will be in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital and more than £2,000 has been raised so far.

Martin, a Colchester First Responder, said: “We know quite a few children who need the support, also a member of the team’s daughter has been there. As a team we are hoping to raise over £100,000.”

As practise, Martin joined his son Sam, eight, to climb Mount Toubkal in Morocco.

Sam is one of the youngest children to have reached the summit.

Martin said: “I feel more confident now after Morocco.

“We are also doing a night climb of Mount Snowdon in June as practice.”

Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, at an elevation of 1,085 metres above sea level.

The Mount Kilimanjaro challenge will take place from October 11 to October 20.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-ford7.