TANYA Spice, 34, has set her sights on climbing the highest mountain in Africa.
But her motivation stems less from her wish to conquer Kilimanjaro the world's highest free standing mountain, than from witnessing the daily challen-ges faced by her sister Heather and her partner Neil whose three-year-old daught-er Louise has cerebral palsy.
Mrs Spice, a mother-of-two from Abbey Meads, aims to raise at least £2,600 for the charity cerebral palsy charity Scope
She explained: "Little Louise is a very special girl and I love her to bits.
"I just felt it was important to do something to help children in her position, so when I saw a leaflet from Scope calling for people to take part in the sponsored climb, I jumped at the chance.
"I know it is going to be pretty hard work, but I have started getting into training and I am gradually building up my fitness."
She has also managed to rope in her mother Carol Powell and a family friend Dianne Sturgess to take part.
The trio are set to travel to Tanzania on February 15 where they will spend six days hiking to the 19,340 feet summit of Africa's highest peak, passing through rain-forest and giant heathers, to reach a barren lunar land-scape and finally snow and ice.
Louise's mother Heather Powell is full of praise for their efforts.
She said: "I think what they are doing is brilliant.
"I would like to go myself, but Louise needs me here."
She explained that when Louise was born at Princess Margaret Hospital, the news that she might be disabled came like a bolt out of the blue.
There were no warning signs to indicate that something might be wrong during her pregnancy.
"It came as a real shock, but we do manage.
"Louise is a very warm and loving girl. She is able to move her limbs and can walk with the aid of a walking frame.
"And she can say a few words and is able to communicate by pointing to things.
"Looking after her is very time consuming, but we are lucky because of the support we have received from our family who have all rallied around to help.
"Raising money for Scope is a really worthwhile cause because the charity does a lot to help out people in our position.
"They run an information line and provide all sorts of invaluable advice and information."
To sponsor Tania contact her on 01793 790003.
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