A couple from Loddon will take on the challenge of a lifetime when they attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Keith and Karen Burnett, from High Bungay Road, are teaming up with Mr Burnett’s brother Steve and work colleague Paul Choak to tackle the 19,340ft (5,895m) climb in September,

They are hoping to raise funds for the prostate cancer charity - a cause close to their heart after Mr Burnett’s older brother, Dave, was diagnosed with the condition 18 months ago and is currently undergoing treatment for it.

Mr Burnett said: “We want to raise awareness that one in every eight men will suffer from the condition and that 10,000 men will die of prostate cancer every year in Britain.”

The group has started training and has already scaled Ben Nevis, Snowdon, Scarfell Pike and will walk the West Highland Way later this month.

Mr Burnett said: “I have had to go on a personal journey from being an overweight couch potato at 19 stone to a fitter and healthier person of 12-and-a-half stone.

“I am now working on stamina rather than weight loss.”

Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Although almost straddling the equator, temperatures at the summit can range between -7 to -29 degrees Celsius.

Before heading off to Africa, the group will complete a gym triathlon made up of a 2km swim, 48km bike ride and 12km run.

They have already raised money for the charity by organising a number of events, including a quiz night and sponsored row, and will be holding a charity stall on the Hay Market in Norwich on July 30.

Prostate Cancer UK is the UK’s largest men’s health charity with the aim of helping more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life.

It also works to increase investment in research and raise public and political awareness of the disease. More information is available at prostatecanceruk.org

Anyone wishing to donate to Prostate Cancer UK can do so at Mr Burnett’s Just Giving page at www.justgiving.comKeith-Burnett2 or by sending a text to 70070 stating KBKB55 and the amount you would like to donate.