A Kings Langley businessman has climbed the highest free-standing mountain in the world in remembrance of his father and to raise money for charity.

Andrew Harman, 45, who runs Annodata, a business communications company in Kings Langley, chose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in August, in memory of his father John Harman who died of stomach cancer in 2007.

He was joined by his good friend Karl Brown and together they climbed a height of 5,896 metres, covering a distance of 120 kilometres over seven days.

The money raised from his endeavours will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care, which aims to provide care for about 27,000 terminally ill patients.

Mr Harman, who personally sponsored his trip, said: “I set off on my first day in shoes which were two sizes too big and the clothes which I had travelled in, as my luggage had not arrived.

“This, however, did not deter my enthusiasm or excitement for what lay ahead.

“I can honestly say that this challenge was way out of my comfort zone.

“At times I felt low, exhausted and questioned whether I had the strength and stamina to reach the top.

“This was definitely an experience where Karl and I learnt a lot about ourselves, but it was my motivation that kept me moving, knowing the people and charities that I would be letting down if I failed to achieve my goal.”

Andrew Harman has raised more than £22,000 to date for charity Marie Curie Cancer Care, after he saw the extraordinary efforts, care and support the Marie Curie nurses gave to his father.

Roe Wainwright, Marie Curie Cancer nurse, said: “John Harman was a very positive man and was always considering others.

"He would be so proud of Andrew for taking on this challenge."