A FORMER soldier who battled with mental health issues is set to climb the height of Mount Everest to raise money for a charity who supports those who have suffered a similar journey.

Jordan Wilson will wear full military body armour while climbing 8,848metres on a stair machine at The Fitness Bank in Oswaldtwistle.

The 25-year-old spent eight years as a lance corporal in the Royal Engineers and completed several tours including one in Sierra Leone during the ebola epidemic.

During his time in Africa, Mr Wilson, who now works in construction, said he came across death and horrifying experiences on a regular basis.

He said: "Last year was a really difficult part of my life.

"I also suffered a loss in the family, it triggered something inside me that broke down my coping mechanisms that I had relied on in the years gone by.

"Last year I bought a house, got engaged - everything was falling into place nicely.

"However towards the end of the year everything got really difficult and I had to see a counsellor and a doctor.

"It was tough, very tough."

However Mr Wilson said with the help of his family and friends he is now on the road to recovery.

The stair machine challenge is raising money for StrongMen, a charity aimed at supporting people with mental health issues brought on by bereavement.

Mr Wilson hopes to complete the challenge in 24 hours, but wants to reach the 'summit' in 16 hours.

He said: "I'm going to be taking about 58,000 steps or so, it's going to be a tough challenge.

"I will burn up roughly 17,000 calories as well.

"The owner of the gym is putting me through a training programme and has really helped me during the preparation.

"I have done endurance races before, but the physiological test is going to be difficult.

"I will have to take short breaks every now and then."

According to the British Mountaineering Council, climbing Everest would take around two months to complete.

Mr Wilson has already raised more than £500 for the StrongMen charity, and aims to raise as much as possible.

The challenge will start at 6am on Saturday, May 18, at the gym in Union Road.

Mr Wilson said: "I have had fantastic support from everyone.

"I can't wait to get the challenge started."

To donate to his cause, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/mount-everest-stairmaster-challenge.