ROBERT Green's career has had its fair share of ups and downs - but nothing that would have prepared him for the challenge of climbing Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimajaro.

The West Ham goalkeeper is widely acknowledged as one of football's more intelligent individuals.

Always ready to speak to the press in his own lucid, considered manner, the former Norwich City stopper is an approachable, amiable figure who, by his own frank admission, has interests that range far wider than the beautiful game.

One of those interests, it transpires, is raising money for charity - in particular the African Medical Research Foundation (AMREF).

The charity has more than 600 staff working across the continent, providing support and advice on health issues to people living in some of the world's harshest climates.

Green is planning to raise funds for AMREF by holding a collection at tonight's Premier League clash with Portsmouth at Upton Park and at a series of events being held between now and the end of the season.

Then, in June, the 28-year-old will jet out to Kenya and Tanzania, where he will attend workshops hosted by AMREF workers.

Funds raised by Green will be used to provide kits and equipment for a football tournament being held in a slum in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

The Chertsey-born player will then head on to complete his five-day trek up - and down - the 19,335-feet tall Kilimanjaro.

"It is a three-day climb and a two-day descent and by all accounts a very physically-demanding challenge, even for the fittest of people," explained Green, who has set up a Facebook page to promote his fund-raising effort.

Any supporters who would like to donate should log on to www.justgiving.com/robertgreenkiliclimb All proceeds will go directly to AMREF.