A STUDENT from Halesowen is to climb the world's highest free-standing mountain as part of a fundraising challenge.

Emma Fogarty, aged 19, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in September to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

The first year biology student at the University of Southampton is taking on the challenge with the university's RAG team.

Emma grew up in Halesowen and attended Howley Grange Primary School before going on to Earls High School.

She has currently raised over £2,400 of her £3,400 target by doing bucket collections, cake sales, fun runs, charity nights out and selling clothes.

Emma said: "The aim is to help the charity with the money but to also raise awareness of the disease.

"It effects everyone but especially babies/toddlers and students. It's important that students receive the vaccination before attending university."

Before her Kilimanjaro challenge Emma is organising a raffle on Saturday June 9 at Stourbridge Mary Stevens park to raise awareness and money.

Prizes include tickets to a safari park, Boing Zone, gym passes and vouchers.

To support Emma visit southampton-kili-2018.everydayhero.com/uk/climbing-kilimanjaro-in-aid-of-mrf.