A TEAM is making its final preparations to join a former Welsh Paralympian who is tackling Mount Kilimanjaro in his wheelchair for charity.

John Harris, 67, from Sebastopol, who will celebrate his 68th birthday on October 6, is due to fly out to Tanzania on October 13 ready to embark on the climb the following day.

Mr Harris enjoyed a successful career as a Paralympian and competed in five Paralympic Games. Now, 50 years after being paralysed at the age of 18 after falling from a fairground ride, he is preparing for this next challenge. He undertook his first practice climb in his new off-road chair on September 21, with him and a team of eight tackling The Skirrid near Abergavenny.

The team’s effort is to raise funds for the charity Dreams and Wishes that provides gifts and holidays for seriously ill children and their families. So far, Mr Harris has raised £19,770.00 but he hopes to reach £50,000.

To sponsor John Harris and his team, visit http://kilimanjarojohn.blogspot.co.uk or justgiving.com/fullcircleltd