A 28-YEAR-OLD woman is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for a charity set up in memory of her friend.

Louisa Melia hopes to raise £5,000 for Alex's Medical and Educational Clinic in Africa (AMECA), which aims to provide medical education and care in African communities.

The charity was set up in memory of Lieutenant Alex Coutselos who was a doctor in the British Army and who died in October 2006.

Miss Melia, of Millennium Quay, Deptford, will start the challenge on June 2.

She said: “I’m a bit concerned because it’s getting closer now. I have been training but you don’t know how the altitude sickness will affect you at the top.

“I’m really excited and everyone’s donations are making me determined to do it.”

To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LouisaMelia