A STUDENT nurse has vowed to climb the highest mountain in Africa to help poverty stricken children.

Shannah Moran, aged 22, from Croft, plans to visit an orphanage in Tanzania before she attempts to scale 19, 341 ft to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

She is raising funds for Child Reach International, a charity which works with communities in the developing world to help improve children’s access to healthcare and education.

Shannah, of Millhouse Lane, who is studying paediatric nursing, said: “I will spend a day in an orphanage to see where the money is going.

“I’ve seen poorly children in England. You know they are going to get better.

“It makes you think how lucky we are in this country to have resources.

“It inspired me to want to do something.

“I’ve always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro.”

Former Culcheth High School student, Shannah, is training for an open swim in Salford Quays in July, to build up her stamina, and hopes to complete a mile.

To prepare for her trek, she has been hiking in the Lake District with her dad, loves horseriding and enjoys the gym.

Shannah, who works as a barmaid at The Horsehoe, is organising a quiz night and karaoke at the pub in Croft, and plans to run a stall at Croft Carnival.

When she finishes her degree at Salford University, she hopes to travel abroad, and eventually specialise in children’s eating disorders.

She has applied for a scheme to improve health care in Africa.

She needs to raise £2,450 to mount her challenge.

If you wish to sponsor her, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/shanzkiliclimb