A STUDENT from Somerford Keynes has pledged to climb Mt Kilimanjaro this summer to raise money to help provide clean water and sanitation for rural communities across Kenya.

Mary Lunn, 19, is training hard for the Dig Deep ‘Climb for Clean Water Challenge’ in August, which sees a small group of students from universities in the South West tackle an 8-day trek, encompassing dangerous terrains from jungles to glaciers as they climb the world’s largest free standing mountain.

Along with the other volunteers, Mary, a first-year Psychology student at Bath Spa University, is currently undertaking a gruelling training regime to build strength and endurance, to ensure she can complete her challenge.

“I’ve always been keen to get involved in voluntary work and help support those less fortunate than myself,” she said. “When I found out about this challenge I felt it was a fantastic opportunity to see how the money I’m raising will actually be used in the first hand as well as getting to trek one of the most recognised mountains in the world.”

Mary, whose only other expedition experience was in Wales for her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award whilst at school, first heard about the Dig Deep challenge through an advert at her university. She said she didn’t know any of the other students involved to begin with, but they have all become very close following various socials organised by the charity.

Harry Owens, student fundraising coordinator at Dig Deep, said: “Not having safe water and toilets traps people in cycles of disease, medical expenses and lost opportunities for education and employment.

“The money raised by Mary and others taking part in our challenges is incredibly important for our charity and contributes to breaking this cycle of poverty and unlocks opportunities for communities to improve their own lives.

“We’re always looking for new fundraisers, so if you want an amazing experience and challenge and believe everyone should have access to safe water and adequate sanitation, get in touch.”

Before she conquers the iconic mountain, however, Mary’s fundraising target is £2,990 – set out by the charity, which is the minimum combination of the cost of the trek and donation.

To help her along, Mary is also raising money through various other means before August, including car boot sales, a wine and cheese event, bag packing at supermarkets and selling her clothes on eBay.

Visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/marylunn1 to sponsor Mary.