IT’S the challenge of a lifetime.

These are some of the people who will take on one of the world’s tallest mountains while raising money for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

In February next year, they will spend six days in Tanzania in Africa as they climb the 6,000 metres to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

But before they go, each of the volunteers will set about raising as much money as they can to help keep the charity’s lifesaving helicopters in the air.

In preparation the group met at South Central Ambulance Service’s Winchester and E a s t l e i g h Resource Centre in Eastleigh where they were given advice and information on the trip and how to fundraise for it.

Among those who have already signed up is Hythe dad-of-two John Wilson who hopes to raise more than £3,500 before setting off.

The 43-year-old Fawley refinery project engineer said: “Raising the money was the bit that was a little more daunting rather than getting fit.

“I’ve never done anything like that before.

“I signed up because it seemed like a challenge and that interested me and the fact that it benefits a good cause is the icing on the cake.

“The biggest thing I’ve climbed is Mount Snowdon when I was a teen.

“My wife thinks I’m mad but she’s very supportive. As time goes on I’d like to get her and my daughters involved in some of the walks or have them meet me at the end.”

It’s not too late to sign up.

For more information about the trip, visit hiow-airambulance.

org.uk.