DEAN HORRIDGE, chief executive and founder of Fit For Sport, will attempt to scale Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, for JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity.

He was first diagnosed with the condition in 2000 and has supported JDFR ever since.

Dean has lived in the Pitshanger area of Ealing for more than 20 years. He was a committee member of Pitshanger Community Association and was instrumental in starting and raising funds for Brentham Youth Club.

He launched the Pitshanger Fun Run, which PCA now organises, and runs the Brentham Club colts football section. He is married with young children.

The Kilimanjaro event will take place from June 14-24. Dean has never attempted a climb of this magnitude previously.

He said: “I’m a strong believer in doing your best in life and never letting an illness get the better of you. I’m raring to go, if a little nervous about it!”

He will be joined by Becky Botham- Armstrong, daughter of cricket legend Sir Ian Botham, and professional snowboarder Chris Southwell. Both also live with the condition and support JDFR.

A child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five faces up to 19,000 injections and 50,000 finger-prick blood tests by the time he or she is 18. The condition is not caused by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

To sponsor Dean, visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DeanHorridge