TWO ADVENTURERS from Thornbury are set to tackle one of the most famous mountains in the world to raise money for charity.

Former Castle School students Lauren Sims and Harriet Murphy, both 25, are set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, hoping to raise money for charities Beating Bowel Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer Action, a feat inspired by the unfortunate passing of both Harriet’s mother and a close friend’s father, in the past year.

“Our lives and those of many people close to us have been affected by these illnesses, and we wanted to do something to help raise money for charities who provide support to those individuals and their families,” said Harriet, a management consultant now based in London.

“We have both completed half marathons and Tough Mudders in the past and wanted our next challenge to be something different.”

With not much in the West Country to compare to the 6,000m high African mountain, the two have trained at weekends through long hikes, running, and climbing Pen y Fan.

Lauren, manager of Thornbury hair salon Bryant and Co. said: “I know perfectly well it is going to be a great experience, but when we get a few days in and we are just as far from the bottom as from the top, it will be mentally tough. I already can’t wait to reach the summit, it is a very exciting prospect.

“I am quite excited for eight days with no phones. It will be quite a rare chance to switch off from everything and focus on achieving something quite special.”

Setting off on October 7, the pair plan to make their way to the summit over the space of six days, with a sudden descent over two days to follow.

“As part of our preparation we have spoken to others who have climbed the mountain before, and they have all told us that coping with the altitude is the toughest bit, something we are going to be very careful to handle properly,” said Harriet.

“And it will be just as hard to get down as get up as the descent will be very quick. “

Lauren said: “Everyone has been very supportive but we have been told plenty of times that we must be mad, that there are other ways to raise money, but that is not us, we enjoy the challenge!”

To sponsor Harriet and Lauren, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=LaurenAndHarrietClimbKilimanjaro&isTeam=true