A MUM is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for her village nursery.

Tabitha Hedges, whose daughter attends Clifton upon Teme Nursery, is beginning the challenge on Friday, September 20.

The ambitious climb, which is a 55-mile trip up and down the mountain, is designed to raise funds for the day nursery which is a registered charity

Tabitha's challenge is inspired by her father Neil, who she's joining on the walk.

Mrs Hedges said: "My dad has signed up to do it and he's a real adventurer, but earlier this year I had been concerned about him and his training.

"He asked if I was keen to join him, so I thought why not?"

Tabitha's previous charity fundraisers include walking the Great Wall of China.

She added: "Lots of nurseries are closing aren't they, and I thought to myself what charity could I do this for?

"Our nursery is a charity so it made sense to get some money behind it.

"It could do with some really positive development to open up more possibilities for the kids."

Clifton upon Teme Nursery is hosting a coffee morning at the Clifton Upon Teme Village Hall on Sunday, September 15 as a send off for Tabitha before the challenge.

Nursery manager Abi Pethybridge-Court said: "We're run by a board of trustees and I said to them that Tabitha isn't just walking the Malvern Hills - she's climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!

"It's a massive challenge, so we had to get it out there and give her a send off."

The coffee morning is running from 9.30am until 11.30am and includes coffee and cake, a tombola, face painting and other children's activities.

Ms Pethybridge-Court added: "Fundraising can be difficult, but what I know about this community is that they get behind each other.

"We are always trying to improve the environment here, and the money raised will go towards replacing our carpets with hardwood floors so that the children can explore different textures."

A Just Giving page has been created to raise funds for the climb, with over £2,000 raised so far of a £3,000 target.