TWO friends are taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, for a Wirral charity helping children with cerebral palsy.

Gavin and Debs are undertaking the hike at the beginning of October and are hoping to raise £10,000 for the charity.

Gavin’s youngest daughter, Amy, aged 12, has cerebral palsy and attends Stick ‘n’ Step for regular conductive education sessions.

Gavin said: "Stick 'n' Step provides a fantastic service to children with cerebral palsy and support to their families as a whole.

"It's been a pleasure to see at first hand the wonderful care provided by Stick 'n' Step.

"Attending the centre is the highlight of Amy's week. You can see from all the children's faces how happy and secure they feel when at the centre and what a lovely warm atmosphere the welcoming staff create."

Debs added: "This climb is going to be a serious challenge for both of us, but it feels small in comparison to the struggles that Amy and others with cerebral palsy face on a daily basis."

Gavin & Debs’ Just Giving page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DebandGavin.

If you are interested in taking on a physical fundraising challenge of your own but would like to do something a little closer to home, Stick 'n' Step is looking for those with brave 'soles' to take part in its first ever sponsored firewalk on September 11.

The event is taking place at the charity's Runcorn centre. Registration is free with a minimum sponsorship of £75 per participant.

All those taking part will be fully supported with an in-depth training session led by an expert team of fire-walking professionals.

They will show you the correct pace and take you through how to safely complete your firewalk. They will also walk alongside you to help you through the challenge.

Staff from Stick 'n' Step and families will also be on hand to heat up the atmosphere with loud cheers to celebrate your amazing achievement!

There will also be a BBQ, face painting, bouncy castle and more so be sure to bring your friends and family to this event.

To find out more go to https://www.sticknstep.org/events/

Stick 'n' Step offers support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families.

It provides the children with totally free of charge conductive education sessions, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live independent lives.

More than 100 children from across the region attend these sessions weekly at the charity's Wallasey and Runcorn centres.