THE countdown has begun for a group of climbers from Christchurch getting ready to trek up Africa’s tallest mountain.

With their best foot forward ready to raise money for the locally-based Cicely Foundation, founded by Christchurch couple Steve and Maureen Cliffen, the group of 19, including Daily Echo reporter Katie Clark, will fly out to Tanzania in October ready to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

While in the country, the group will visit the charity’s school and orphanage, Cicley Peace Matunda, and meet the children their sponsorship money will go towards helping.

All money raised will be matched by Steve and Maureen with the funds raised helping to build new classrooms at the school, which currently educates more than 150 youngsters in five small classrooms.

Climbing to the top of the world’s highest free standing mountain will take the group five days.

Steve Cliffen said: “While this is going to be an amazing trip in lots of different ways, it will certainly be no easy task.

“While each group member is busy raising funds individually, anyone who wants to make a donation can do so at cicelyfoundation.com.”