A student from St Albans will attempt to climb one of the world’s tallest mountains to raise money for charity.

Charlotte Knight, 20, is set to tackle the challenge to reach the top of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa - in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

She is currently studying international business in Loughborough, and hopes to make almost £3,000 during the six-day trek in September.

The money will be used to help people of all ages who are struck with the potentially deadly disease.

MRF estimates that there are around 3,200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia, each year in the UK.

One in 10 die, and about a third suffer complications, such as debilitating brain damage, blindness, hearing loss and amputations.

Charlotte said: “Since being at university I have learnt how dangerous meningitis is and how many people it affects all around the world.

“Now that I have been given the chance to do this challenge, I am very much looking forward to supporting the work Meningitis Research Fund do.”

Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world, at 5,895m tall. Kibo - the snow-capped peak - is one of the most recognisable sights in the world of adventure and it is, reportedly, a huge challenge to reach the summit, due to the landscape and altitude.

Tom DeFraine, events fundraising assistant at MRF, said: “We are so grateful to Charlotte for agreeing to climb 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 having the adventure of a lifetime, she will be raising much-needed funds and awareness of this devastating disease.”

You can sponsor Charlotte at www.justgiving.com/Charlotte-Knight4/.