A BROMSGROVE teacher is preparing to climb the highest mountain in Africa.

Helen Slater, a science teacher at North Bromsgrove High School, in School Drive, is gearing up to take on the challenging climb of the mountain - the world's fourth highest.

Helen is doing the charity challenge in memory of her grandmother Elizabeth Dow, who died from Leukaemia in 2011.

She will be raising money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research UK, which works to stop people dying of blood cancer.

Helen said: "My grandmother was an inspirational person and she was always full of fun and energy. I thought that challenging myself by climbing Kilimanjaro was a fitting way to remember her, and raise money along the way.

"In terms of preparation, I have been training by doing the Duke of Edinburgh walks with the school as well as walking as much at weekends as I can.

"I will also be climbing Snowdon a few times over the next few weeks."

To raise money, North Bromsgrove High School held a charity gunging event.

Teachers from the school volunteered to take part in a election with three teachers who gained the most votes, facing the public gunging.

Andy Lockett, Andy Whordley and Katy Travers topped the poll, and the three had a bucket of gunge thrown over them on Friday, (May 22).

The gunge included flour, water, custard, and baked beans and the event raised £1,057.

Money has also been raised through holding two car boot sales, organising a charity gig, and selling home-made cards and bags.

Helen has also organised a quiz night which is being held at Redditch Cricket, Rugby and Hockey Club, in Bromsgrove Road, on Saturday, July 4.

Entry is £4 per person, for teams of up to eight people. A fish and chip supper will be available.

Anyone who wants to make a donation can do so by visiting Helen's fundraising page at justgiving.com/helenclimbsamountain.