A MUDEFORD man is taking up another big challenge – an attempt to climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world.

John Sanford-Hart will be part of the “Band of Five”, who are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the charity Help For Heroes this month.

John, 43, an ex-territorial army officer, will be joined by business colleague Richard Glover and three soldiers from 4th Battalion The Rifles.

John suffered a lower leg amputation after a speedboat accident and will be helped over the difficult terrain by Colour Serjeant Stewart Le Couilliard from The Rifles.

The group also includes soldiers who have been injured while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, John said: “We didn’t just want to set ourselves the personal challenge of getting up the mountain, but wanted to do it for a reason and a result, hence the fundraising for Help For Heroes.

They want to raise £100,000 and already have over a third of that amount.

John, who set the record as the first ever lower leg amputee to complete the London marathon on crutches in just over 13 hours, will set another record if he completes the climb on his crutches.

He added: “It’s very humbling to be walking alongside guys who have life-changing injuries in the service of the country and who have shown such courage, determination and resilience to want to do something to help others.”

To sponsor John and his friends go to justgiv ing.com/thebandoffive