A BOURNEMOUTH man who works at a top Christchurch hotel will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime next year.

Andy Dawson, group marketing manager for the Harbour Hotels Group, which owns Christchurch Harbour Hotel and The Kings, will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in February to raise money for the Motor Neurones Disease Association.

It’s a cause close to Andy’s heart as both his father, Nigel and, his grandfather, Geoffrey both died from the rare condition, which damages the nervous system, causing the muscles to waste away.

Along with his best friend Jamie Wearn, Andy is preparing to trek the 5,895metres up Kilim-anjaro in Tanzania to raise money for the charity.

The mission is part of a series of challenges Andy and his two older brothers have been undertaking to raise money for research into the condition.

“We need to continue to fight until this world is free of Motor Neurone Disease”, he said.

“The money raised will also help and support people who get diagnosed with this disease and their families cope with living with this fatal condition for what can be only three years.

“This is probably the biggest challenge I’ve taken on. We did the Three Peaks Challenge and I’ve just completed the Great South Run as well.

“Training is going well but we need to build up some stamina and start doing some endurance work. It’s going to be tough.”

The duo aim to raise a pound for every metre they need to climb.

A fundraising quiz night will take place on November 16 at the hotel.

To find out more about the climb, and to donate go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/neversaynever.