A Penshurst student has set himself the gruelling challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for a charity close to his heart.

Nick Lankester, who studies at Nottingham University, will be tackling the climb in August in order to raise money for Meningitis Research Foundation.

He is hoping to raise £2,750 for the charity by completing the six day trek. The climb is run by Student Adventures who create tailor-made adventures for young students like Nick.

The fundraising is very important to Nick as two of his friends were diagnosed with meningitis several years ago.

He said: "Two of my good friends were unlucky enough to have contracted this life-threatening disease, with one losing his hearing as a result.

"Needless to say, I have a deep concern for those affected, and feel proud to be able to raise money and awareness for the cause by launching an assault on Mount Kilimanjaro."

Susie Bailey, community fundraising officer at MRF said: “We are so grateful to Nick who is raising money for MRF by climbing Kilimanjaro.

"Meningitis and septicemia are diseases that can leave a baby, child or adult fighting for their life within hours of the first symptoms.

"As well as helping to raise much-needed funds for our work to fight meningitis, they have also helped raise awareness of this devastating disease.”

Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, Africa, is the tallest free standing mountain in the world and stands at 5,895m.

Nick has currently raised a fantastic £1,540 for Meningitis Research Foundation with one very selfless, anonymous donor contributing £675.00.

To donate click here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/nicklankester