A PENSIONER will soon embark on one of the biggest challenges of her life.

At the age of 61, Averil Coleman will fly to Africa next February to take part in the Kilimanjaro Trek for Scope, the charity which helps people with cerebral palsy.

She will join 70 people gathered from all walks of life from around the UK, and they will climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa at more than 19,000 feet.

Mrs Coleman, who lives at Charlton Heights, and is the common room secretary at Radley College, said: "Having had good health mostly and a very charmed life, I decided it was time to give something back.

"I'm quite exhilarated by the challenge, and wonder if a senior citizen can keep up with the youngsters taking part - time will tell!

"I exercise often in the gym, and by swimming, cycling, or trudging up the very steepest parts of the Downs and Ridgeway.

"I walked recently in Switzerland with my daughter, who was working there, and hope to do more training in Snowdonia before the end of the year."

Mrs Coleman pledged originally to raise at least £2,800, but said she was thrilled to have already banked more than £5,000, and hopes to raise even more.

She said: "My two daughters, Sarah and Jo, are being wonderfully supportive, but are quite concerned for me as well.

"My relatives, friends and colleagues at the college have also been especially generous and warm-hearted.

"Scope is one of the largest disability charities in the UK, and I want to support the work they do with and for children and adults with cerebral palsy.

"Scope's aim is that disabled people achieve equality, a society in which they are valued, and have the same human and civil rights as everyone else, which is why this is important to me."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Mrs Coleman in her quest, can do so online by visiting the website www.justgiving.com/averilcoleman and clicking 'Sponsor me now', or by contacting her at work on 01235 548566.