Gearing up for trek across Africa

Phillip Coleman (57), from Ledra Drive, Pagham who is the chairman of Pagham village hall and head of policy at West Sussex County Council is hoping to raise as much as 4,000 for his walk across the Simien Mountains to the top of Ras Dashen.

More than three times the height of Ben Nevis and higher than the Matterhorn, at 4,543 metres Ras Dashen is the highest mountain in Ethiopia and the fourth highest in Africa. Phillip, who enjoys fell walking, is now in the business of getting into the peak of fitness for his November trip.

"The trek is approximately 80km and will take five days so it will put my fitness to the test. I will be going as part of a group so I am sure we will all encourage each other along the way and the beautiful scenery will also help."

The Simien mountains national park which was made a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1979 rank among Africa's most beautiful ranges and the route will take Phillip through small villages, fields, lush valleys and dramatic cliffs.

The charity Retrak has a Chichester connection, with its international director Andy Williams MBE, son-in-law to city councillor Derek James, the Ugandan casting adviser for the award-winning film The Last King of Scotland.

Many of the street children helped by Retrak's Ugandan project were extras in the film.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Phillip should either send a cheque payable to RETRAK to Phillip Coleman, 1 Ledra Drive, Pagham, PO21 4PF or by credit or debit car via the website at: www.justgiving.com/philipcoleman.

A special fundraising concert, featuring A-choired Taste and other musicians will take place at Chichester Baptist Church, Sherbourne Road on Saturday, November 3.