A TEENAGER is preparing to climb to the top of one of the tallest mountains in the world to raise money for charity.

Claire Lloyd, 19, will be trekking to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, early next year to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust, which helps leukaemia sufferers.

Claire, of Rowenhall, Laindon, said it's the most daunting task she has ever attempted.

She said: "I've done climbs like Dartmoor, but nothing that compares to a mountain.

"I have been told that Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge."

While Kilimanjaro is not the highest mountain in the world, it does have the tallest free-standing mountain rise, which climbs 4,600m from its base.

It also claims the title of the highest peak in Africa, at 5,895m.

Claire, a cabin crew worker with Easyjet, said she decided to take up the challenge after airline bosses asked for people to consider getting involved.

She said while she doesn't know anyone directly affected by leukaemia, she has been touched by cancer and believes there is no better cause to raise money for.

Claire said: "I've been lucky not to have anyone I know affected by leukaemia, but I've had some friends and family members who have been diagnosed with cancer." Claire said while she tries to keep herself healthy, she will be going for runs and heading to the gym to prepare herself physically for the gruelling challenge.

The trek will see her climbing between four and 12 hours a day, while camping on the side of the mountain and carrying all her own equipment.

Claire has been given a £3,500 fundraising target, which she plans to meet any way she can, with car washes, raffles and hopefully donations from businesses.

Anyone wishing to donate can contact her by e-mailing her at e-c.lloyd87@yahoo.co.uk