A 19-YEAR-OLD from Bridgwater is aiming to tackle a challenge her stepfather can’t and climb Mount Kilimanjaro on his behalf.

Meena Melissa Grundy, who grew up in Bridgwater and Stawell, has set her sights on scaling the African mountain, raising money for charity along the way.

Hugh Gange-Harris, Meena’s stepdad, was involved in a severe cycle accident in Bath Road in May 2010, when his neck was broken.

Meena said: “My dad was an avid mountain climber and caver. Against the odds, he has regained some of the use in his legs, but sadly he can walk only tiny distances and will never cycle, climb or work as a school teacher again.”

In 2011 the people of Stawell raised money to buy Hugh a state-of-the-art £5,000 wheelchair equipped with 11kg wheels, each fitted with a motorised hub.

Meena said: “Kind people who didn't even know him held craft sales with other events and a huge milk bottle lid collection was undertaken. Today that wheelchair is invaluable to him.

“He was never able to fulfil his wish of tackling any of the world's highest peaks and so I aim to do this for him. I am training hard so that I will be fit enough for the task and know it will not be easy.”

Meena, who attends at Bournemouth University where she studies business, has to raise at least £3,000 to enable her to undertake the challenge.

The money raised will go to the children’s charity Hope for Children, and will also cover her fare and guides. To donate, visit 2014bournemouth.everydayhero.com/uk/meena