A SCIENTIST from Carterton is set to climb the highest peak in Africa for needy children.

Tom Nicholls is already training to take on the challenge of trekking up Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the NSPCC.

The 32-year-old will be part of a team who will spend six days trekking through five different eco-systems to reach the top of one of the largest volcanoes in the world, 5,000m above sea level.

Mr Nicholls, who was adopted as a child, says he was lucky to have had the adoptive parents he did.

He said: “I took it on as a challenge for myself, to help me confront some of my problems with depression and anxiety. It’s going to be an incredible experience.”

The 11-day adventure will run from February 6 to 16 and the hikers will follow the less crowded Rongai route to the peak.

The cash will help NSPCC community services, a helpline for adults worried children and ChildLine, the helpline and online service.

The charity’s community fundraising manager Fiona Turner said: “It’s not a challenge to be taken lightly as all participants have to raise a minimum of £4,275 but I am sure Tom will do it.”