A VILLAGE church will be supporting one of its members in his attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to help put Kenyan students through university.

Nick Dale, 52, is children’s co-ordinator at Sutton Village Church.

He is off to Tanzania in February to attempt the challenge as part of a 20-strong team, each team member being committed to raising enough between them to sponsor deprived students.

Church-based child sponsorship charity Compassion is behind the programme as part of its charity work in 26 countries.

Nick, formerly from Earlestown, and a salesman at Bang and Olufsen’s Liverpool showroom, said: “I am thrilled to be taking part in this exciting and life-changing opportunity.

“To be able to make a tangible difference to the lives of those less fortunate than us is incredible.

“The simple fact is that these young people have all the ability to make real change, but, as a result of being born into poverty do not have the opportunity to do so.

“While taking on the fourth highest of the seven summits and the potential effect of altitude is a terrifying prospect, being able to contribute to the future of these young people makes the challenge more than worthwhile.”

Nick’s progress will be monitored by his wife of 21 year, Karen, and their son Nic, aged 20 and 17 year-old daughter Hannah, and the Sutton Village Church family. which the Dales have been part of for the past 12 years.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Nick can visit compassion.ukrft.com/u/ nicholas-dale.