A KENDAL man is dusting off his walking boots in preparation for a fund-raising climb up North Africa’s highest mountain.

Stuart Nelson, director of Veritas Financial Planning and Turner Scott Letting Agency, has signed up for a five-day trip to Morocco, in which he will attempt to combat Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains.

He will be taking on the challenge with around 50 others, as part of the link his workplace, at Highgate, has with St James’s Place Partnership and their foundation.

The 51-year-old said: “The foundation gives to various charities, mainly those related to cancer and children, and puts on a range of events. This one came up and just appealed to me – I’m really excited now.”

Mr Nelson is a regular walker of the Lakeland fells but said he had never done anything the scale of Toubkal before.

He added: “I’ve been a keen walker for many years and have even taken my staff up Coniston Old Man and Great Gable for a team building day.

“The trip is in May so now the weather is improving I am going to get out there and start training every weekend if I can.”

Mr Nelson is hoping to raise £1,000 for good causes, and the St James’s Place foundation has vowed to match every penny.

“I am trying to raise extra money on top of sponsorship, so we are having a bake off in the office and I am going to take some of my staff on my training walks and charge them for being their guide.

“None of the money I raise will go towards the cost of my trip – it will all go directly to charity.”

To sponsor Mr Nelson visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartNelson2

For more information on the foundation visit http://www1.sjp.co.uk/about-st-james-place/our-responsibilities/st-james-place-foundation