KIND Castle Point resident Michael “Mick” Roberts will celebrate his 60th birthday in an unusual location – at the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The 59-year-old will be scaling the Tanzanian mountain to raise money for Little Havens Children’s Hospice in Thunder-sley – and he will reach the 19,340ft summit on the big day.

Mick, of Kimberley Road, Benfleet is now counting down the months to his seven-day trek in October.

Mick said: “I wanted to do something really special for my birthday, and it was only natural to make the most of the trip by raising money for a local charity.

“As soon as I visited Little Havens, it was the obvious choice. So much time and effort is put in to making life for the children and their families as good as it can be, and I wanted to support that.”

It will cost £2.4million to run Little Havens this year. The care it gives is provided free of charge.

Driving instructor Mick is hoping to raise £5,000 for the hospice, which will be enough to fund a week’s respite break for one child and their family.

To help him reach his target, Mick is organising a host of fundraising events, the first of which takes place at Runnymede Hall in Kiln Road Thundersley, on Thursday, July 14.

Mick said: “I’ve booked a singer who will be performing throughout the evening, finishing with a fantastic Michael Buble tribute set.”

There will be a buffet by Cafe Max, and a raffle with prizes donated by Benfleet businesses.

Mick added: “I need to be fit for the trek, so I have been playing football for a local club. I’ve joined a squash league and I’ve been getting up before work for some early morning walks.

“I am planning to go to the Peak District and Snowdonia and will start running too.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/mick-roberts-kilimanjaro or e-mail mickpremier@hotmail.com