Ledbury'S Nigel Kitney will be hitting the heights in a charity fundraiser - he's planning to scale 15 mountain peaks in one day.

The marathon trek next Wednesday will finish at the top of England and Wales' highest mountain, Snowdon, and complete 30 miles up and down the peaks of Snowdonia.

Mr Kitney, who works at H L Hutchinson on the Lower Road Trading Estate, is a keen walker and rock climber.

He hopes the feat will raise a large amount of money for Ataxia UK, a charity that conducts research and offers support to sufferers of ataxia, a condition which results in loss of coordination.

His boss, Denzil Stones, was diagnosed with the condition six years ago and Mr Kitney said his speech, movement and sense of balance have all been badly affected.

"I've known him for 15 years and it was about six years ago that he noticed he was having problems playing golf," he said.

"Then gradually, his speech and sense of balance deteriorated. If the money helps fund some research into the condition, I'd feel at least I've done something."

Mr Kitney said he was not relishing one half of the trek: "The actual challenge to me is that it's 13.5,000ft uphill - that's over two miles vertically! I am looking forward to it but it'll be one of the biggest challenges I've done."

Mr Kitney said he had been in training for the last few months.

"The last thing I want to do is fail as it will disappoint people," he said.

Mr Stones said: "This is a very thoughtful and generous gesture of Nigel and coincides with the 40th anniversary of Ataxia UK after it was re-named from Parkinson's Plus".

Although Snowdon is the tallest of the range's 15 peaks over 3,000ft, not far behind are Carnedd Ugain, Carnedd Llywe-lyn and Carnedd Dafydd. The smallest is Crib Goch at 3,028ft.

Sponsorship forms are being held at Ledbury Dental Surgery and Utopia hair salon.

Alternatively, people can call Mr Kitney on 07768365073.