AN ADVENTUROUS student is preparing for an amazing challenge – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Nicola End, of Oakley Close, embarks on the daunting week-long trek up the world’s tallest freestanding mountain next month, after raising thousands of pounds for charity.

The 19-year-old is taking on the climb in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), and has raised almost all of her £3,000 target.

She has been training for months to prepare for the physical and mental battle she will encounter in Tanzania, and will jet out on September 7 along with 40 of her fellow students.

Nicola, who is studying at the University of Warwick, said: “When I put my heavy duty hiking boots on for the first time that is when it really felt real.

“The only time I start to feel nervous about it is when people start talking to me about it and I think about what a big challenge it is.

“I’m more excited than anything else because this is something I never thought I would be able to do.

“I have to prepare myself mentally because I know how difficult it is going to be when I’m up there. They wouldn’t let us go if it couldn’t be done, but I know it’s going to be a struggle to really enjoy it in the moment.

“But when I look back it’s going to be one of the best experiences of my life.”

The former Manchester High School for Girls pupil needs to raise another £200 before the end of the month to reach her target, and has organised a raffle with the help of local businesses.

Prizes donated include an afternoon tea at Slattery’s and Bury FC match tickets, while the £2,750 already raised has come from events including car boot and cake sales.

She added: “Fundraising is going well and I want to thank everyone who has donated, and the businesses who have contributed raffle prizes.

“Being active on social media is what has really driven it forward and what will hopefully get me past my target.

“I’ve found that a lot of people aren’t really bothered about what prizes you can offer them, it’s more about whether they want to help the charity.”

To enter the raffle visit justgiving.com/nicolaend and donate £2, or e-mail nicolacheryl@icloud.com. Follow Nicola’s progress on Twitter @Hike2015