With its highest point, Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet); Kilimanjaro is the world tallest free standing mountain rise in the world and is Africa’s highest point.

Kenny Moore from Coleraine and Antrim man Irwin Adair will be pushing a bed around the streets of Portrush and Portstewart all day this Saturday in a bid to raise money for the Kilimanjaro Challenge2008.

The fundraisers are collecting for the Bible Christian Faith Church (BCFC) Academy in Kitale, Kenya with one of the other trekkers, Glenn Ownes from Ballymoney, raising funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. (Visit www.KerenOwens.com)

The different routes to the summit pass through five ecological zones - the cultivated lower slopes, Montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the ice capped summit.

This gives the climber a chance to experience a whole different world; five different surroundings all within a few thousand metres. Trekking up Kilimanjaro is only permitted when accompanied by a registered guide who knows the mountain well. Porters and cooks also make up the trekking party.

BCFC School

Now in its ninth year, the student population of BCFC Academy has risen from nine to 530 and the number of staff from two to 35 individuals.

The academy currently offers the full range of nursery, reception and Standard One to Eight Classes as well as a newly commenced Secondary Department.

Last year the academy presented their first candidates for the national Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations in November.

Irwin told the Times: "We thank the Lord for the good results obtained by the students, two of whom were awarded places at National Schools and a further twenty three at Provincial Institutions

"Phase one of the building programme commenced in October 1998 and provided accommodation for the nursery and lower primary children.

"Phase two saw the construction of a two-storey classroom and administration block to house eight classes, the reception area, offices, staffroom and stores.

"Phase three which led to the erection of a new dormitory for the boarding department. It also includes a large multi-purpose hall which serves as a dining and sports area as well as accommodating large gatherings and receptions; the adjoining kitchen comprises five industrial fire-wood stoves overhung by a large hood and steam extraction system. An outdoor boiler supplies hot water while an incinerator has greatly eased the disposal of waste.

"All this has only been made possible by the generous and sacrificial giving of God’s people at home and abroad. The academy relies completely on designated gifts for the expansion projects.

"This year Phase four has commenced with efforts to increase the capacity of the dormitories by a further 180 places.