Vet prepares to scale the highest mountain in Africa

A SEVENOAKS vet will have to work like a dog when he tackles one of the world's tallest mountains.

Pete van Dongen is manager at Pennard Veterinary Group, on Eardley Road, but in September he will climb Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, which has just been conquered by nine celebrities in aid of Comic Relief.

He is attempting to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, a charity he holds dear after his father died of heart disease.

"I'm doing this for my dad," he said.

"I chose the charity because I'd like to try and help prevent other people suffering the same fate."

And while nearly 20,000ft separate Mr van Dongen from his goal, he is not fazed, having an extensive adventuring portfolio behind him.

In 2006 he went husky sledding across the arctic and the following year he trekked across Namibia. Last year he scaled the 8,000ft Machu Picchu in Peru.

"I try and something each year," he added. "People now come into the practice and ask what I'm doing next."

And the challenges don't stop there as next year he is planning to walk the Great Wall of China.

And while his total donations pot stands at £15,000 from his previous challenges, Mr van Dongen is keen for any contributions this year.

"I know times are hard at the moment but it is a very good cause," he said. "If I get to £3,000 I will be chuffed."

To donate to Mr van Dongen's cause visit www.thisiskent.co.uk /links and follow the link.