An Appleby Magna woman is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro next month to raise funds for The Ambulance Staff Charity.

Claire Jones says the last two years have really affected the ambulance community nationwide and she hope to be able to raise as much as she can to fund support that is so vital for mental health and wellbeing. 

She will be tackling the near 20,000ft climb in what Claire says is 'the hardest trek I have ever attempted'.

Claire - whose sister runs the Stephanie Jones Award-Winning Hair Ashby salon in Coxon's Mews - said: "In September I will be climbing the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world and I need your help!

"I will be flying to Tanzania in Africa and trekking my way up 5,895 metres to the top battling with altitude sickness and temperatures ranging from 30 degrees at the bottom down to -27 degrees during the night as I make my way through the mountain's ecological zones to the summit. 

"I am extremely motivated to raise as much money as I can to fund as many counselling support sessions as I can for The Ambulance Staff Charity.

"TASC, The Ambulance Staff Charity is the leading UK charity supporting currently serving Ambulance Staff and their families.

"Student Paramedics, retired Ambulance Staff, and Ambulance Service Volunteers regardless of role, to enhance their mental and physical well-being during times of need.

"Ambulance Staff dedicate their lives to supporting and saving others.

"They see life at its most fragile, often dealing with tragedy on a daily basis.

"Sometimes they themselves are in need of care and support. TASC'S support enhances their well-being during times of need by helping to alleviate pain, suffering and financial hardship.

"I would be so grateful if people would consider sponsoring me no matter how small to help me to support my colleagues across the UK who care for us all 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. 

This trek is fully funded by myself so any money raised will go directly to the people who need it most."

If you want to donate to Claire, you can do so by following this link HERE.