TWO dads are taking part in a monumental challenge to raise funds for their children’s school.

Lee Mahony, of Bishopdown Farm and Dave Luce, of Wilton, are running a marathon with a difference this weekend.

They will be running around and up Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, to raise money for sports facilities at Coombe Bissett primary school. Lee, who is the head coach at Salisbury Tennis Club, will also be raising money for the club.

The idea was born on a night out for dads of Coombe Bissett pupils. Lee said: “It was an idea I had a couple of years ago and I wanted to do it this year and have a real challenge. I wanted to find something that had a real shock factor, to raise the money we are looking to raise.”

Dave added: “It started off as a bit of a chat over a drink, and the next thing we knew we were booking to go.”

The pair said their biggest challenges would be the altitude, and running uphill. They have covered hundreds of miles in their training in different temperatures and conditions since last October, including completing the Dartmoor Wild Night Run in December.

And Lee said Parkwood Health and Fitness Club had been “a fantastic support”.

The pair hope to encourage children in sport and have visited Coombe Bissett school to hold assemblies and a competition for the best Kilimanjaro drawing, and will hold a run for the children when they return.

Head teacher Deborah Cockrean said: “This is an amazing example for our children of what can be achieved through high aspirations, motivation and commitment. We are all 100 per cent behind them both and looking forward to using the money they raise to develop our outdoor provision as well as celebrating with them on their return.”

Dave and Lee are looking to raise £6,000 in total, and are about half way to their target. “We’re looking for the people of Salisbury and Coombe Bissett to support us, not just as Salisbury residents but as parents,” Dave said.

“Everybody has been really supportive of us, We have had massive support both in donations and kind words,” Lee said. “It’s really felt like everybody’s been behind us.”

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lee-mahony and justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dave-luce