A MAN from North Tawton is embarking on the adventure of a lifetime later this year, all to raise money for a cancer charity.

Dave Ellis has started training for a climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

He is taking on the gargantuan challenge from September 20 to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, a cause close to his heart.

Dave explained what had driven him to take on the challenge: 'I'm doing the climb for my mother, who died of cancer. Marie Curie helped her through her final days and I really felt like I wanted to put something back in.

'I've been to Machu Picchu in Peru when I was younger, but that's the only altitude I've ever been to before this. I've been up on the moors, going for jogs and long walks with my dog Lola, to get prepared for climbing Kilimanjaro.'

Dave is hoping to raise the grand sum of £3,750 for his efforts, and has already managed to raise almost a quarter of that total with fundraising.

A pub quiz at the Tom Cobley in Spreyton raised £249. Future fundraising events in the pipeline include a night of hypnotism with Chris James at North Tawton Rugby Club.

If you would like to support Dave's efforts, visit the website http://www.justgiving.com/david-ellis4">www.justgiving.com/david-ellis4