A CROSS Hills woman is tackling Africa's highest peak in tribute to the hospice which cared for her dying stepdad.

Sarah Harrison will join more than 20 trekkers jetting out on Boxing Day for an ascent of 5,895-metre-high Kilimanjaro.

Proceeds from the nine-day challenge are going to Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands, where Steve Harris spent his final days.

"Everyone at Manorlands was absolutely amazing – they just couldn't do enough for Steve and for us," said Miss Harrison, 23, a special needs teaching assistant who until recently worked at Phoenix School in Keighley.

"There are two elements to the challenge – one is the climb itself and the other is the fundraising. I need to raise at least £3,250 but I'm hoping to exceed that. I've already got £500 through my online fundraising page so that's off to a good start."

Her stepfather was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer in February 2012.

"He'd always been very fit and healthy but he started to feel unwell and developed a cough," said Miss Harrison.

"He was admitted to hospital with suspected pneumonia but it turned out to be lung cancer, which had spread to his spine.

"We were told it was terminal. It was devastating news."

He underwent treatment, including chemotherapy, but without success.

Mr Harris' wife, Nicola Harrison, said: "It was too late, there was nothing they could do.

"It came as a massive shock, because he'd always been so fit.

"Every weekend he used to walk from Cross Hills to his parents' home at Sandbeds. He never had any health problems."

She added: "I'm very proud of what Sarah is doing to raise money. She's amazing."

Mr Harris – who worked at Sun Street Printers in Keighley for 26 years and then at Kay Jay Print in Cross Hills – died in June 2012, aged 54.

Sarah has already taken part in several charity fundraisers. She tackled the Race for Life the month before her stepdad died, participated in the Manorlands Starlight Hike in 2013 and did a skydive last September, proceeds from which were split between the hospice and the British Heart Foundation.

As part of her fundraising for Kilimanjaro, she is staging a quiz night at the White Lion, Kildwick, on April 18.

Anyone is welcome to attend the 7pm event. Entry is £3, including food.

People can donate at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/inmemoryofsteve-kilimanjarotrek.