by Fiona Cooper

Not long ago Michael Hutchinson would have struggled to walk a mile without puffing and panting - let alone consider climbing Britain's highest mountain.

But next month that's exactly what the 27-year-old plans to do.

Michael, of Sittingbourne, is one of a 24-strong team taking on a charity trek up 4,409ft high Ben Nevis in aid of the mental health charity Rethink. The father-of-two, who works as a psychiatric nurse for West Kent NHS Trust's early intervention team, will be joined by colleagues and clients.

Also there will be members of the Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), which works closely with his team helping improve social skills and building confidence for those with mental health issues.

Michael, who at his heaviest weighed 30st 7lb, dropped to 18st in a year after joining the Medway and Maidstone Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club. His efforts earned him the accolade of Biggest Loser Male 2011 at the Slimmer of the Year Awards and £1,000. He admitted he jumped at the chance to take on the latest challenge. He said: "With all my weight loss I have got into my fitness challenges, so when this came up I thought it would right up my street.

"It's also a way to help raise awareness of mental health issues which often get a negative press. I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to put it in a positive light and, especially, allow some of my clients to gain a sense of achievement."

The group, sets off for Scotland on Friday, September 9, and aims to complete the trek the following day. With training sessions of six and 10-mile walks already under their belt, Michael is confident the team will make it.

Team members, who hope to raise £15,000, plan to send a video link of themselves at the top of Ben Nevis to show on big screens at half-time during Charlton's home game with Exeter at the Valley. Fans will be asked to donate to Rethink and CACT's own mental health project.

To sponsor the team, visit http://www.justgiving.com/cactbennevis