COMEDIAN Josh Widdicombe has helped boost the fundraising efforts of a Hereford student taking on the world's tallest freestanding mountain.

Oliver Button, 19, a former St Mary's RC High School student who is currently studying geology at university in Liverpool, is set to climb the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in August to raise money for Childreach International.

Next month, he'll have the support of friends as they take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, climbing Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, as a training and fundraising exercise ahead of the big event.

And to help him reach his £3,060 total, he has received support from second cousin, comedian Josh Widdicombe, who created a video encouraging people to make a donation.

Oliver said: "Childreach International fight for equal opportunities between all children across many deprived regions in the world.

"One of those is Tanzania and, in an addition to my climb, I will visit local schools and give a talk to the children and members of the school who have been subjected to, or experienced, poverty in the area."

At approximately 19,341 ft above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Mr Button's trip will last for 10 days, with around four or five days of climbing.

He said: "I can't wait. I'm really excited. I have a few pieces of equipment to get together but I'm really looking forward to it.

"I want to raise awareness of the deprived regions where children do not get same opportunities that most others do and I also like to challenge myself – I have always been quite adventurous."

To donate, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/button#.WEmbbsIpoc0.facebook

To text donate £3 text "UNLOCK 193533" to 70007