Economics student Dexter Baum, from Watford, is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in August in a bid to raise nearly £3,000 for Meningitis Research Foundation.

Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, Africa, is the tallest free standing mountain in the world and stands at 5,895m.

Dexter, 20, is hoping to raise £2,850 for Meningitis Research Foundation by completing the six day trek to Kibo, the snow capped peak, tackling the landscape and altitude to reach the summit.

Dexter, who is doing the trek with Student Adventures, said: "It’s not every day you get the chance to climb a mountain, let alone for such a great cause. I had heard of meningitis but I was blissfully unaware of how many people are affected by it.

"When looking into this, I have realised how many people around me have experienced this disease. For that reason I am incredibly glad to be helping a charity that is so important."

To sponsor Dexter you can visit his fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/dexterbaum.

Susie Bailey, community fundraising officer at Meningitis Research Foundation, said "We are so grateful to Dexter who is raising money for Meningitis Research Foundation by climbing Kilimanjaro. 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 helping to raise much-needed funds for our work to fight meningitis, they have also helped raise awareness of this devastating disease."

Anyone who would like further information on taking part in challenge events for Meningitis Research Foundation in 2015 should contact Susie Bailey on 01454 281814 or susieb@meningitis.org.