AN ADVENTUROUS fundraiser from Cwmbran is preparing for his next epic challenge.

Colin Wilmott has raised no less than £20,000 for charity over the past five years.

To add to this he was named Breast Cancer Campaign’s UK Fundraiser of the year in 2009 after raising a staggering £14,000 walking the challenging East Highland Way in Scotland.

In recognition he was presented with an award at the House of Lords but, not content with that, he is now off to conquer Aconcagua.

Aconcagau is the highest mountain in the Southern and Western hemisphere and the highest mountain outside the Himalayas.

The 56-year-old former local government worker - who has also previously conquered Everest Base Camp at more than 5,000 metres, Kilimanjaro at 5,585 metres and Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres - leaves on December 17, meaning he will be away over Christmas for the three-week long trek.

“I am hoping to summit on New Year’s Day,” said Mr Wilmott, who began fundraising after the death of his wife Gill to breast cancer six years ago.

“That said I have been told I will need to be the fittest I have ever been in my life to achieve it, as there is a low success rate.

“Due to the extreme cold in the Himalayas at that time of year they are not climbed, so I can confidently say I will be at a higher altitude than anyone else in the world.”

This time, Mr Wilmott will be fundraising for Llamau, a Welsh charity which can provide accommodation, support and advice to homeless and potentially homeless young people and vulnerable women across Wales and has been doing so for more than 26 years.

“The charity was brought to my attention by a fellow member of Griffithstown Harriers who works for them.

“It seemed like a good opportunity to raise money for people who are struggling.”

The Croesyceiliog resident, who has undertaken mountaineering training in the Brecon Beacons in preparation along with British Military Fitness at Tredegar House in Newport, has already raised close to £1,500.

“This will be a big step up from what I have done before though,” he added.

To sponsor Mr Wilmott visitjustgiving.com/user/8692669