A CLITHEROE student is preparing to lead a group of gritty fundraisers to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of charity.

Rachel Calow, 21, from Clitheroe, has set herself the challenge of climbing the tallest free-standing mountain in the world this September to raise money for Meningitis Research Foundation.

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The former Ribblesdale High School student is bidding to raise £2,900 for the charity and will act as an ‘adventure leader’ to a group of fellow Plymouth University students on the trek to the summit.

Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, Africa, stands at 5,895m and its snow-capped peak is one of the most recognisable sights in the world with many mountaineers eager to take their chance to climb it.

In order to reach the top Rachel will have to walk for four days , including an eight-hour summit attempt starting at midnight which will see her and the team walk single file in freezing temperatures to the coveted peak.

The trek is run by Choose a Challenge which creates tailor-made adventures for fundraising students.

Rachel, who is currently studying biomedical sciences at Plymouth, said: “This challenge has been one of the hardest, but most rewarding things I have ever done; knowing that the money we raise will help so many babies, children and other students like me is an incredible feeling and I’d recommend it to everyone.

“The charity does not get a lot of time in the spotlight and a trek like this provides so much vital funding.

“People are often sceptical of donating to students as they think that they are just going on holiday but we are trying to provide the charity with much-needed support.

“I’m really looking forward to it and it’s going to be a huge challenge but also hugely enjoyable.”

Tom DeFraine, events fundraising assistant at the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “We are so grateful to Rachel for agreeing to climb Kilimanjaro in aid of MRF.

“Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases that can leave a baby, child or adult fighting for their life within hours of the first symptoms.

“As well as having the adventure of a lifetime they will be raising much-needed funds and awareness of this devastating disease.”

To sponsor Rachel or to find out more about her challenging climb, visit her online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/rachel-calow.