TREKKING over the second- highest peak in Africa will present Dalgety Bay mum Gill Baird with a slightly different challenge from climbing Arthur’s Seat.

But while she admits her trip to Mount Kenya in January will be a severe test physically, the prospect of raising thousands for Cancer Research after being inspired by family and friends will ensure she completes the challenge of a lifetime.

Tesco worker and mum-of-three Gill (36), of Hillside Avenue, will join 20 of her colleagues in scaling the 17,000-foot mountain – only behind Kilimanjaro in the list of Africa’s highest peaks – in memory of former colleagues who lost battles against the diease.

She has also seen one of her best friends and an uncle diagnosed, and she said, “There isn’t really anything you can do apart from listen and be there for them but this is an opportunity to go further and make a real difference. When I was informed about it this year, I had longer to fund-raise and train so I decided to go for it. It’s four times the height of Ben Nevis so I’ve been trying to do some training as I’ve only managed to climb Arthur’s Seat! My poor wee dog’s legs are shorter now than they were a few weeks ago but it is the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Three of my colleagues have passed away from cancer and one of my best friends was diagnosed with skin cancer 18 months ago. In the last six weeks my uncle was also diagnosed so it has been difficult.” Gill has a target of £4000 for the five-day trek and she has already raised around half of that figure. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/GillBaird/