Bear Grylls instructor taking on Kilimanjaro for Corby-based charity

Dave McHugh will be attempting to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro with a group of instructors from the Bear Grylls Survival Academy next month.

He is fundraising for The Charity Pot, a Corby-based charity set up to raise money for well-known registered charities as well as local ones.

Dave, who has been involved with The Charity Pot since it was first set up, said: "Having walked the Corby to Kettering Santa Walk on Christmas Eve, I thought it was time to broaden my horizons and set myself a bigger challenge and what a challenge it will be."

After becoming a Bear Grylls instructor last February, Dave is hoping these skills will help him as he takes on the challenge of Kilimanjaro.

It is not only Africa’s tallest peak, but also the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and its summit is 19,341 ft above sea level.

Dave has been swimming and going to the gym as part of his training over the past four months, as well as climbing Snowdon last weekend.

But while the physical training is going well, he says coping with the altitude sickness will be tough.

He said: "I am very excited but also nervous as it is getting closer.

"It's expensive and very hard, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and hopefully it is recognition for The Charity Pot too.

"It gives me a chance to promote the charity that I am passionate about."

Charities supported by The Charity Pot include the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, KGH Charity Fund, Teenage Cancer Trust, Help For Heroes and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Dave has set himself the target of raising £1,000 and added: "The Charity Pot is the only charity that I know that spreads the wealth out to everybody and it's local."

To sponsor Dave go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mchughsponsor