MONTHS of training and preparation will be put to the test when recruitment consultant Liam McConnell begins his charity challenge next month.

After turning 30 this month, Mr McConnell, a partner at Require Recruitment, decided it was time to try something a bit different and to give something back to the community.

He settled on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, which he aims to complete in five days, starting on October 9.

“I am really excited,” said Mr McConnell. “It is something I have always wanted to achieve, and I thought there was no time like the present.

“I have never ever done anything like this before – never climbed a mountain or done any trekking – so it is completely new to me and it is going to be a challenge.”

After organising a quiz night at the Coach & Horses pub and urging family, friends and colleagues to sponsor him, Mr McConnell has raised more than £4,000 already.

He is hoping to reach his target of £4,300, which will be going to Naomi House Children’s Hospice in Hampshire.

To sponsor him, visit www.justgiving.com/Liam-McConnell.