A STUDENT and her dad are embarking on a mammoth hike to the top of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise money for charity.

Isobel Wilson, 17, a sixth form student at Haslingden High School, and her father Graham, 60, a consultant engineer and school governor, have been in training for six months.

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The pair, from Edenfield, are bidding to raise £1,000 for the charityThe Stroke Association in memory of Isobel’s grandad, John, who passed away in July.

She said: “There are not many teenagers who climb Kilimanjaro and we are not sure if I will have altitude or mountain sickness.

“My father climbed it before and raised money for Whizz-Kidz; this time we will be fundraising for The Stroke Association in memory of my granddad who died in July aged 92 after suffering the long-term effects of a stroke.”

Isobel said when she went to her grandfather’s funeral she learnt so much about him, including that he had been a pioneer in printing and university lecturer.

While serving in the RAF, John flew Wellington and Liberator heavy bombers and crashed into the sea, surviving five days on a life raft along with most of his crew.

Isobel and Graham have been training by undertaking short walks, including trips to the Scottish mountains, Wales and the Lake District carrying increasingly heavier packs.

Kilimanjaro is 19,342ft high and the trek will take between eight and nine days.

Isobel, who is also Junior British Endurance Horse Riding champion, added: “We start off just walking for two hours on the first day, but on the last day we will be walking for 11 hours.

“We would like to be able to raise £1,000 and we have collected about £400 already.”

To sponsor the pair go to justgiving.com/Wilsons-take-on-kilimanjaro.