A DENTIST is preparing to climb the highest mountain in Africa to raise money for charity.

Jatin Gupta, aged 32, works at Instore Dental Bolton, within Sainsbury’s supermarket in Trinity Street.

Tomorrow he will embark on a six-day trek to climb the 19,340ft Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise £2,000 for the National Society for Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Mr Gupta said: “I was initially undecided about which charity to adopt for the trek. But during a conversation with friend and colleague, Dr Lance Knight, he mentioned that his son, Will, aged two, had PKU.

“After looking into it, I saw the severity and lifelong implications of the disorder for its sufferers, and coupled with a lack of awareness about PKU among the public, I decided to choose the NSPKU for my charity.”

PKU is a rare inherited disorder and sufferers struggle to absorb protein in their bodies. They have to follow a special, low protein diet, otherwise they can face serious health issues, including brain damage.

The NSPKU works to help and support people with the disorder, their families and carers.

It also promotes the care and treatment of those with PKU and works closely with medical professionals in the UK.

Mr Gupta — who is currently studying for a masters degree in dental implantology at Salford University — has been preparing for the trek over the last few months by climbing Scafell, Snowdon and Ben Nevis.

He added: “I’m told that the biggest challenge on the trek will be altitude sickness which most people struggle with on day three or four and then on the final day when we climb the last 1,200 metres to the summit.

“Despite the possibility of altitude sickness, I’m viewing the trek as a personal challenge and I hope I can reach the summit and hit the target I’ve set for the charity.”

He is due to reach the summit on Monday and return to base camp the following day.

To donate to the cause, visit justgiving.com/Jatin-Gupta1.