TWO friends are taking on the challenge of a lifetime by trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro, while aiming to raise £10,000 for Helen & Douglas House.

Hugh Taylor and Gary Purnell, both 37, have known each other for almost 20 years, with the fundraiser a way of saying thank you to the hospice for looking after Hugh’s daughter Melina.

The 22-month-old was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 when she was just eight weeks and she receives respite care at Helen & Douglas House in Oxford.

Gary, from Cirencester, has never done a challenge like this one, let alone any fundraising, but is training hard for the five-day trek.

“I am expecting to wake up early, walk uphill until bedtime and then repeat for five days, with less oxygen available with each passing day and altitude sickness to combat,” said Gary.

While he admits reaching the top of the mountain “will be amazing” he said he is most looking forward to sitting outside the tent at night with Hugh.

“Both of us silent, completely exhausted and aching, but looking up at the stars through the clear African sky.”

Gary went on to say: “My friends and family are very supportive, as most of them know the challenge that Hugh, his wife Demet, and little Melina face every single day.

“I am inspired by the inner strength of the entire Taylor family and I am keen to do anything I can to support them and the charity.”

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-purnell if you would like to make a donation to Gary’s fundraising challenge.