KEEN walker Stuart Willis aims to climb Africa's highest peak in a gruelling challenge to raise money for charity.

Stuart, 30, of Park Lane Terrace, Carleton, is set to take part in the trek to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in February next year.

The expedition to Tanzania is organised by The Anthony Nolan Trust, a national charity that provides bone marrow donors for patients suffering from leukaemia and other bone marrow related diseases.

Stuart has made a personal contribution of £400 towards the trek but he must also raise at least £3,150 in donations and sponsorship for the trust.

His fundraising efforts include a collection at Morrisons supermarket, running a quiz of cryptic clues, selling the trust's Magic Roundabout pin badges and securing sponsorship from friends and family.

Stuart said: "As a keen walker, the chance to climb a really high mountain and experience the physical and mental effects of high altitude is a long-held ambition.

"This venture is not, however, a selfish means of fulfilling my ambition. I have been raising money for leukaemia charities since 1999 when I walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks and raised more than £250 for the Leukaemia Research Fund.

"Since the formation of the Skipton and District Branch of the fund in April 2002, I have been the honorary treasurer and I have helped to raise over £11,000 for the fund.

"My wish to take part in the Kilimanjaro trip is an extension of my interest in such fundraising."

Stuart, a customer adviser in the deeds department at Skipton Building Society, is now planning his next round of fundraising events.

He is hoping that famous mountaineer Alan Hinkes will come and give a talk in the Skipton area to raise cash for the charity.

Alan has scaled 12 of the 14 world peaks that are more than 8,000 metres high. He aims to be the first Briton to climb all 14.

Stuart also plans to contact celebrities Alan Bennett and Patrick Stewart, who both have local connections, in the hope that they might take part in a fundraising evening to boost the appeal.

He also aims to hold a car boot sale and asks anyone with anything to donate for the event to get in touch.

Stuart can be contacted on 07796 952469.