A VALLEY businessman scaled the dizzy heights of Mount Kilimanjaro to help raise money for a children’s hospice.

Stephen Ashworth, who is the chairman of Rossendale property company Hurstwood hiked up the African mountain, one of the world’s highest peaks, in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for terminally ill children across Lancashire.

Stephen, who lives in Rawtenstall, along with his work colleagues have raised in excess of £150,000 for Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley through a range of fundraising events including charity dinners and sponsored events.

He said: “Kilimanjaro is one of the most stunning moun-tain in the world and it climbs to heights of more than 20,000 feet so it is a real challenge. It was a truly incredible trip.

“It was tough because of the endurance and the weather conditions but I am happy I achieved it.

"It took 10 days to trek up the mountain, which is on the North Eastern tip of Tanzania.

Stephen, who also took on the challenge as part of his 43rd birthday, said: “Hurstwood has been raising money for Derian House for several years now, it’s a really special cause for all of us and everyone at the company has made valuable contributions to it over the years.”

Stephen’s previous charity challenges have included a hike up Mont Blanc, cycling treks through the Canadian Rockies, The Grand Canyon and a trek across Jordan in the Middle east.

Inspired by his charity efforts he is now midway through a Mountain Leader course.