Ramsey builder Mick Rogers has taken on a mammoth fundraising challenge to climb Kilimanjaro – but only after he has walked more than 5,000 miles to the foot of the mountain.

Mr Rogers, 49, will begin his epic journey in Kettering, where he works, on March 2 and walk 5,500 miles through eight countries and finally reach the mountain five months later in time to celebrate his 50th birthday on August 9.

After his father Tony was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, Mr Rogers, who says he was unfit and lazy, gave up smoking and started training to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“I have spent two years training, walking 25 miles a day with a full back pack, and testing the equipment that I will be taking with me. I now feel I am as prepared as I can be, but I am terrified,” he said. The closer it gets the more terrified I become, but my biggest fear is failure. I really don’t want to get half way and run out of supplies.”

Mr Rogers has estimated he will get through more than 10 pairs of walking boots and is appealing for sponsors to send him equipment.

“You can imagine the list of equipment that will need topping up along the way. I am hoping people or businesses will be able to support me in the form of ‘care packages’, maybe send me a box that includes footwear, and fuel for the stove, rations and medical supplies.”

Mr Rogers will walk to Cornwall, to say goodbye to his three grown-up children, and then travel, through France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya and finally Tanzania, walking 40 miles a day. Part of the challenge is that he will not fly on any leg of the journey, but he will use road transport to travel through Sudan and Uganda and boats and ferries to cross water. INFORMATION: To sponsor Mr Rogers, call 07743 233866, email mickrogers2008@hotmail.co.uk, search ‘Laird Betty S’ on Facebook or go to www.justgiving.com/LairdBettySwollocks/.