Leighton business man is preparing to climb the highest mountain in Africa.

Dean Marshall, 33, who is a partner is his family business Marshall's Coaches, plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in February.

He will be doing it for the charity Climb Your Mountain, which helps people going through difficult times, for instance those suffering from low confidence or depression, by giving them a physical challenge – encouraging them to climb their own personal mountain.

Former Vandyke Upper School pupil Dean said: "I have had depression in the past and believe that this charity would have greatly helped me. I hope other people who are having a tough time and reading this don't feel like they are all on their own and that there is help out there. You just need to make the first contact."

Fitness trainer Dean and his fellow climbers are using 'CharityChallenge' to climb Kilimanjaro's 5,895m (19,340ft). It is one of the largest volcanoes ever to break through the Earth's crust.
They will be using the little used Rongai route which starts just south of the Kenyan-Tanzanian border.

Organisers say: "The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing and passing through several different climate zones. This adds considerably to the interest of the trek."

During the expedition, Dean will experience temperatures dropping close to freezing at night, revealing the star-studded African skies. In the daytime he will often be looking down on a sea of clouds.

But one of the main challenges will be the effects of altitude. Lack of air pressure causes tiredness and breathing difficulties. He will have to give his body time to acclimatise to be able to reach the summit.

Dean's challenge starts on February 6, 2009, you can sponsor him by visiting www.bmycharity.com/deanmarshall