HE has launched a second bid to scale one of Europe’s tallest mountains – with a little help from a friend.

Hampshire climber Roy Arscott attempted to conquer the mighty Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps two years ago, but avalanches, rock falls and pelting hail scuppered his 4,478m-high quest.

Now the 46-year-old from Pennington has teamed up with world-renowned alpinist and big wall climber Jerry Gore for a second bite of the cherry.

Roy, a former serviceman in the Royal Tank Regiment, is embarking on the journey in aid of the Ecuador Project, a scheme supplying insulin to diabetic children in the south American country.

It is close to his heart because his girlfriend, Jane Milburn, also 46, was diagnosed with Type One diabetes at the age of two and needs daily injections.

Jerry – who has scaled mountains all over the world – also has the condition and hosts regular fundraising excursions for the charity.

He said: “This is a serious affair for any climber and will not be a walk in the park.

“I tried before but the mountain just said no, so I am returning to finish the job.”

“Summit day will be the hardest physically gruelling day of my life, but it will be worth it when I stand there and think that a child far away will get much needed help.”

They set off on Saturday, and spend a day walking to the base camp for a five day acclimatisation period.

After that, they spend 14 hours scaling the remaining 1,200m to the top.

It will also be a struggle for Roy who has bipolar disorder, agoraphobia and generalised anxiety disorder.

He added: “It’s quite unbelievable I have this opportunity with Jerry and he is kindly offering his time, at his own expense, putting himself in considerable danger to take me to the top.

“Any donation will have a marked impact on the quality of life for these children and their families.”

He aims to raise £960 – enough to fund enough insulin, test meters and syringes for a child’s yearly needs. To sponsor him, visit: justgiving.com/royarscott or text ROYS70 followed by an amount to 70070.