HIS focus is now on his A-level exams, but within days of his last paper a student will be taking on the highest mountain in Africa.

Eighteen-year-old Matt Wateridge will be leaving his studies at Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh behind and travelling to Tanzania.

During his time there the biology, chemistry and maths student will be working in an East African hospital before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free standing mountain.

He aims to raise £1,000 for Help for Heroes, which helps support servicemen wounded in conflict.

Matt, who has a place to study medicine at Manchester University when he returns, will spend three weeks as a hospital volunteer with Gap Medics as work experience.

“Climbing Kilimanjaro is on my bucket list so I really want to do it while I’m out there,” said the former Hounsdown pupil, from Ashurst, who begins his ascent on July 13.

“I am considering becoming an army doctor and Help for Heroes is just such an awesome charity.

“I’ve always been really patriotic and this is one way of doing my bit to support our troops.”

To sponsor Matt’s climb visit bmycharity.com/matthewwateridge.