A SERVING solder based at Tidworth is leading an assault on Mount Kilimanjaro with an army-based team that includes a cancer survivor and two wounded servicemen currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Sergeant Ben Hughes took on the challenge after learning that the man who took him through his basic training had cancer.

The former company sergeant major, Marc Roberts, is now part of the 14-strong team after making a full recovery.

Sgt Hughes, 37, who is the most capped Army Rugby player of all time, said: “When I found out Marc had gone through prostate cancer last year, I was so moved I decided to do something positive to raise money to help others. “Scientists seem to be so close to beating many cancers and I wanted to do something positive.”

The team, who set off on March 8, are covering their own expenses and hope to raise £100,000 for Cancer Research UK and forces charity Remount. They also intend to film the climb to raise awareness. They are organising an official launch of the challenge at The Tower of London in February which is being attended by the former England rugby player and Masterchef winner, Matt Dawson.

Follow them via Facebook.com/expeditionuhuruendeavour or Twitter s @uhuruendeavour.

To support them go to: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/UhuruEndeavour.