A student from Menston has set herself the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September to raise money for Meningitis Research Foundation.

India Shaw, is hoping to raise £2,850 for the foundation by completing the six-day trek.

It is run by Student Adventures. who create tailor-made adventures for students.

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

Kibo, the snow-capped peak, is one of the most recognisable sights in the world of adventure and is a huge challenge for those prepared to tackle the landscape and altitude to reach the summit.

Miss Shaw, 20, who is studying sport and exercise science at Loughborough, said: “I really want to help raise awareness and aid the medical research of meningitis.

“I have heard stories of people from babies to students being affected and as one of my closest friends survived meningitis as a child I really know the importance of raising awareness.” MRF estimates there are around 3,200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK.

They are easily mistaken for milder illnesses but unlike flu can kill within hours and may cause serious, lifelong disabilities.

As many as one in ten of those affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, blindness and hearing loss.

Community fundraising officer at MRF Susie Bailey said: “We are so grateful to India for agreeing to climb Kilimanjaro in aid of MRF.

“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 having the adventure of a lifetime they will be raising much-needed funds and awareness of this devastating disease.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Miss Shaw should visit her website at virginmoneygiving.com/IndiaShaw.