Two friends who climbed the highest mountain in Morocco are setting their sights even higher by preparing to scale Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mohsin Alli, 50, and Mehfuz Master, 50, are taking on the mammoth challenge in February in support of the East Lancashire Hospice and NHS Christie’s Foundation Trust.

The pals decided to test their mountain legs after Mr Alli's wife, Farida, died from cancer in June, aged just 48.

She was cared for by Christie's for seven weeks after she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and then referred to the Hospice.

Mohsin said: "The community team from East Lancashire Hospice took all my worries away.

"I was terrified of leaving Christie’s but I wanted my wife to spend her last days at home.

"I had a million questions but the hospice specialist nurse, Sophie, answered all my questions in minutes and helped to put my mind at ease.

"I didn’t have to worry about my wife’s injections or about her care because I knew it was all in hand.

"The help from the community nurses allowed me to do things whilst they sat with my wife, such as sleeping or shopping."

In October the friends, both from Blackburn, successfully climbed Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167m.

And to prepare for their second mountainous task, both men have completed a number of climbs closer to home, including Helvellyn and Blencartha in the Lake District.

They also trek up one of the steepest streets in Blackburn - Shear Brow - six times a day, six days a week as part of their training.

Mr Alli added: "We want to raise awareness about the work of the hospice in the Muslim community.

"We didn’t know about all the services available until we needed them."

More than £7,000 has already been raised of their £50,000 target.

Anyone who'd like to help them reach their target, can visit their JustGiving page: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/climbinhername2020