A mum from Deal is climbing Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, in two weeks to raise money for the NSPCC.

On September 27 Fiona Burman, 43, will be joining a team of hikers, from across Britain, taking on the challenge in the west coast of Scotland. The mountain, near Fort William in the Highlands stands at 4,409 feet.

She has been stepping up her exercise regime in preparation for the climb with long walks and running. She said: “I’ve climbed Ben Klibreck (3,157 ft) and Suilven (2,389 ft) which are both in the far north of Scotland, so I don’t feel too daunted, although I was a lot younger in those days!”

Formerly from Scotland Fiona, who is a writer, now lives in Hillcrest Gardens, with her partner, Barry Stewart and daughter, Lily, seven. She also has a son Daniel, 23, who runs HandyDAN, a Deal-based property maintenance business.

The Ben Nevis challenge begins in Glasgow. From there, Fiona and the other members of the team have a three hour drive to their hotel in Fort William. Led by a team of experienced leaders in harsh and remote environments, the trek begins the following morning.

Even in the summer months the temperature at the summit is only a couple of degrees above freezing.

Fiona, who hopes to raise £500, added: “The NSPCC is a charity close to my heart and I feel passionate about helping raise awareness of the need for greater child protection. “Child abuse, in all its forms is a widespread reality – whether physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, and needs to be exposed.

“If the proceeds of my climb can bring hope to just one unheard and unseen child then I’ve achieved something worthwhile.”