A Sittingbourne woman is set to conquer a climb of epic proportions in aid of a charity she has supported for years.

Chloe Green, from Eden Village, will join a group of dedicated trekkers and scale Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, this summer.

She is a long-time supporter of diabetes charity JDFR, and half of the 15-strong group she will hike with suffer from the illness.

The condition affects 400,000 people in the UK and can leave sufferers with debilitating symptoms, including weakness, blurred vision and extreme weight loss.

London-based JDFR funds research into the illness and provides a support network for those living with it.

Chloe, 28, said: “I have a passion for climbing mountains, but no motivation to keep fit and exercise, so this challenge encourages me to stay fit for the year while training for this mighty trek.

“I have been supporting JDRF for the last few years, after them becoming the chosen charity for my company – AIG Insurance.

“I am also lucky that my company will match-fund what I raise for this very worthy cause.

“It is a condition which is often mistaken for being caused by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, when, in fact, it is not.”

The group will climb with medical staff to assist the diabetics in case anybody suffers altitude sickness.

JDFR chief executive Karen Addington said: “I wish all participants the best of luck and thank them for their support, which will take us one step closer to finding a cure for this condition.”

To sponsor Chloe on her climb, which takes place from June 18 to 28, visit www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Green3. For more details about JDFR, visit www.jdrf.org.uk