A businessman who is used to the high life is to scale new heights when he climbs Africa's highest mountain.

For Wilf Dolman, who owns Burnley Roofing Ltd, Accrington Road, will be jetting off to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Asthma UK.

The 58-year-old wanted to take part in the trek to raise awareness of the condition which affects his three children Stephen, 36, Amanda, 34 and Michelle 31.

He said: "It is a terrible disease and my three children suffer from asthma and sometimes they have to have medication. We have had close friends who have died because of asthma.

"People do not realise there are 5.5 million sufferers in the UK alone.

"Asthma does not just affect the young it is right across the board from a baby to a senior citizen."

Wilf, of Printers Fold, will travel to Africa in September with his brothers Chris and Lawrence and cousin Gavin Dolman.

The four have already forked out £400 each in preparation of the trip which help to pay for things like injections.

They need to raise £10,000 between them and Wilf has already raised about £1,400 from suppliers, businesses and collection in pubs and clubs. Next month he hopes to boost the fund by staging a quiz night at Rosegrove Unity Club and Wilf also intends to stage a cabaret night in July.

Wilf is preparing for the expedition by climbing Pendle Hill and intends to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge of scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours.

He added: "It is going to be very gruelling and they say you cannot prepare for the altitude.

"But I am really looking forward to it. We are hoping to beat the £10,000 and all the money raised will go to charity.

Anyone wanting to make a donation should contact Wilf on 01282 777727 or www.justgiving.com/trekmountkilimanjaro.