A BURY teenager who has a passion for tackling adrenaline sports faces his toughest challenge when he attempts to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.

Dean Thomas will undertake the gruelling sponsored event in Tanzania in September with his friend, Jamie Shemwell. Each hopes to raise £3,400 for the UNICEF Haiti Charity Appeal.

Dean, aged 19, of Elton Brook Close, is studying sports science and physiology at the University of Leeds. Jamie, aged 18, of Darvel Close, Breightmet, is studying aeronautical engineering at Salford University.

Dean said: “We are always up for a challenge and doing new things. This climb up Mount Kilimanjaro will test our fitness levels. But the most important thing is to help those affected in Haiti.

“We feel the children of Haiti should have a good enough lifestyle as we do.”

Their preparation includes aerobic and strength training. The teenagers have also launched a fundraising programme which includes race nights, bagpacking and food sales. And later this month, Dean will walk up a university building 50 metres high 120 times, the equivalent height of Kilimanjaro.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the duo should go to justgiving.com/Dean-ThomasO and justgiving.com/JamieShemwell.

l A fundraising race night is being held at Walshaw Sports Club, Bury, on Friday, April 23 beginning at 7pm. Tickets costing £5 and £10 for a family ticket can be purchased on the door.