A SPEECH therapist is appealing for help in her race against time to raise money for a charity expedition to Africa.

Jennifer Bell from Chester-le-Street is to climb Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, in February next year to raise money for Scope, a charity for people with cerebral palsy.

The mountain rises to 19,340ft with a rainforest at the bottom and snow at the top. Jennifer, who works at the University Hospital of North Durham, is preparing for the gradients by walking in the Lake District and even encouraging her colleagues to join her in walking up the hospital stairs during lunch breaks.

But one of the biggest hurdles she has to surmount is raising the last £1,800 of her £2,600 target by December.

She said: "I'm looking for sponsorship or anybody who could help me with a fundraising event, such as a band who would donate their services for free."

Anyone who can help should contact Jennifer on 07984 162542.