by Ruth Banks

Listeners of kmfm are jetting off on an expedition to climb Africa’s highest peak for charity today.

A 28-strong group took up the gruelling challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

At 19,340ft the peak is more than four times the height of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis.

It’s the first of three expeditions planned for this year, involving around 120 kmfm listeners in total.

The trips have been organised in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care by head of radio Steve Fountain.

Steve told KentOnline he was blown away by the response when he invited listeners to take up the challenge.

“I thought we might get maybe eight, nine or 10 people say we’d like to go with you but we had several hundred phone up," he said.

"I’m constantly amazed by people’s willingness to take part and get involved.”

Each climber has raised at least £3,750 and many have personal reasons for supporting the charity.

Steve Fountain on kmfm's Kilimanjaro trip

"There’s absolutely nothing you can do to prepare yourself for the altitude so that’s the biggest worry.”

Mr Fountain - a Marie Curie patron - said the toughest point will come as they approach the peak next Wednesday.

“Most days you’re doing maybe six hours but the last day you get up at midnight and trek till about four in the afternoon.

"That’s a pretty challenging trek and you’re also doing it at altitude.

“Kilimanjaro is just over 19,000ft, so the air’s a bit thin up there. It’s not a walk in the park.”

Is anyone you know going on the trip? Post your good luck messages in the box below.