ROYAL Wootton Bassett teen Oliver Yerbury-Hodgson is planning on taking on the challenge of a lifetime in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

The 19-year-old is now looking for sponsors to help him climb to the roof of Africa and scale Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in aid of the charity later this year.

The discrete mathematics student at the University of Warwick is hoping to raise £2,990 for MRF by taking part in a gruelling six day trek up the mountain, run by the Choose a Challenge organisation which creates tailor-made adventures for students.

The tallest free-standing mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895m tall, and Kibo, the snow-capped peak, is one of the most recognisable sights in the world of adventure.

Climbing to its summit is a huge challenge for those prepared to tackle the landscape and altitude.

“I’ve always wanted to directly contribute to a charity,” said Oliver, who will take on the challenge in September.

“Meningitis Research Foundation are helping many people, including my age group, who are at a high risk from meningitis.

“After hearing from survivors, or their friends and family, how it has affected their lives, it’s very clear how devastating this disease can be and how important their work is.”

MRF estimates there are around 3,200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year across the country. Symptoms are easily mistaken for milder illnesses, but unlike flu it can kill within hours and may cause serious, life-long disabilities.

As many as one in ten of those affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, and blindness.

Despite the impending introduction of the MenB vaccine for babies in the UK, the charity is concerned there is no catch up campaign for toddlers and no recommendation for teenagers, the second highest ‘at risk’ group, to be routinely vaccinated.

Vaccinating this age group has the potential to protect the wider population because they are key to transmission and spread.

Tom DeFraine, events fundraising assistant at MRF, said: “We are so grateful to Oliver for agreeing to climb Kilimanjaro in aid of MRF. Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases that can leave a baby, child or adult fighting for their life within hours of the first symptoms.

"As well as having the adventure of a lifetime they will be raising much-needed funds and awareness of this devastating disease.”

Sponsor Oliver online by visiting justgiving.com/OliverYH/