A FORMER special school pupil will take on the highest mountain in Africa to raise funds for an Oxford hospice.

David Brooks, from South Leigh, near Witney, will attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro next month for Helen & Douglas House.

The 25-year-old, who has Asperger Syndrome, used to attend Springfield School in Witney and has already raised his own expenses for the trip.

He has almost achieved his aim to raise more than £5,000 for the hospice, with more than £4,800 donated to his JustGiving page.

Read also: Oxford United stars auction boots for Helen & Douglas House

Mr Brooks said: “Last year, I saw a poster advertising the fundraising climb and I applied to join.

"As a result, in October, I shall attempt to summit the highest mountain in Africa for Helen & Douglas House because I want to help the children and it’s a challenge."

He will tackle the climb with his training partner, Adam Blizzard, who works for learning disability charity The Ice Centre in Witney, as part of a group of 12 volunteers.

They will travel by land to the base station to acclimatise to the altitude, before setting off on the climb on October 10.

It is expected to take five to nine days to scale the 5,985m-high dormant volcano.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/David-Brooks21.