A WOMAN from Prestwick is to climb Baden Powell Scout Peak in Nepal to raise funds for charity.

First aid trainer, Jan Wilmington, could be the first Scottish female to reach the summit of the Nepal peak as she readies herself for the challenge in six weeks’ time – beginning her journey on October 8.

Alongside a group of climbers from Venture Safely, Jan is aiming to raise much needed funds for the work of The Maarifa Project, which aims to educate and support people in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, providing first aid training to a range of groups there including, mountain and safari guides, teachers, taxi drivers and many more.

With the money raised from the Nepal challenge, Jan will continue this work as well as using some of the money to support a local nursery school which The Maarifa Project works with called Ludao – the project has taken several teachers and early years staff to Ludao to train teachers and work with some of poorest children in the area.

Teaming up with Kincaidston Primary School, they were able to raise enough money to pay the rent on the school building and carry out some general maintenance.

Through fundraising from this challenge it is hoped that The Maarifa Project can make the roof on one of the classrooms safe in order to support the school to expand to paying families and become self-sustaining.

Speaking to the Ayr Advertiser, Jan explained: “I am very excited about doing this and it will be such an experience – it will be wonderful. I am aiming to be the first Scottish woman to reach the top of the summit – it is around 5890 metres high.

“After doing this we (Venture Safely) are going to go back next year to give first aid training in Nepal which will help with the local communities – this will then allow them to move forward in safety and in health – we are very passionate about it.”

With a target of £5000, Jan has so far raised £170 – if you would like to help, you can visit the website on www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/maarifaproject