TWO adrenalin charged friends from Suffolk have embarked on a journey to scale one of the world's highest peaks.

Lizzie Parry

TWO adrenalin charged friends from Suffolk have embarked on a journey to scale one of the world's highest peaks.

Gavin Carter, 38, from Kesgrave and Steve Moy, 36, from Felixstowe, set off for their epic once-in-a-lifetime challenge on Friday and plan to raise over �1,000 for Autism Suffolk.

The two men will also be on the look out for famous faces, including Chris Moyles and Cheryl Cole, as they attempt the same gruelling climb for Comic Relief.

The Felixstowe port workers has been following a rigorous training programme for months preparing themselves for the climb, recently spending a week in the Peak District tackling nine peaks in just nine hours.

Mr Moy said: “We are really looking forward to it. Doing it at the same time as Chris Moyles and the gang is great motivation to beat them up to the summit. It will be superb lots of fun; I am just trying to fathom how to pack all my stuff.”

Mr Carter added: “Our six day ascent will pass though several ecosystems - lush rainforest, moorland, the bare high-altitude desert of the upper slopes, and the final ascent close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. I can't wait; it will be a great experience.”

The pair has chosen to support Autism Suffolk, after a friend drew their attention to the invaluable work the charity do in the area.

Mr Carter said: “We wanted to support a small local charity and I'd heard of Autism Suffolk through a friend that they've helped. My son's friend at school has a form of autism and his mum suggested the charity. We found out a bit more about autism and it really opened our eyes.”

Mount Kilimanjaro, in north-eastern Tanzania, is the highest 'walkable' mountain in the world, standing at a breath taking 5895 metres above sea level.

Although it is just three degrees south of the Equator, two of its peaks have permanent caps of snow and ice.

If you would like to sponsor the pair please phone Gavin on 07533693750 on a dedicated line set up to take donations.