TWO kind-hearted women are getting ready to scale Africa’s highest mountain to help ensure children in Scotland have a safe upbringing.

Ruth Coates and Fern Mitchell have spent a year training for the gruelling challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and will set off on the nine-day journey tomorrow (Saturday).

It means leaving behind their jobs and families as they look to raise thousands of pounds in vital funds for Children 1st, Scotland’s national children’s charity.

Ruth, who runs a counselling and psychotherapy business, knows all about the charity.

She said: “Having previously worked as a Project Worker for Children 1st in their Midlothian service, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work that the charity does to help young people and their families.

“It was a very rewarding, if not challenging, experience, but I’ve been committed to continuing my support for Children 1st – it’s something that is very close to my heart.

“When the opportunity arose to take part in the Mount Kilimanjaro challenge, I jumped at the chance.

“I wanted to do something different and a bit adventurous to mark my 40th birthday, so I thought ‘let’s just go for it!’”

Already, Ruth, of Dunbar, has raised more than £6,300 and is hoping to reach £7,000 by the time she returns from the challenge to her husband Lawson Auden and children Nuala, 8, and five-year-old Rowan.

She added: “Now the challenge is closing in, I’m feeling a healthy combination of nervousness and excitement.

“I’m going to find it difficult being away from my family, especially my two children but I’m excited for this new experience, especially seeing the starlit Tanzanian night sky, and of course, reaching the top of the summit!

“I can’t thank my friends and family enough for all their support so far, I hope I can do them all proud.”

The duo will be joined by nine other Scots as they aim to fly the charity flag from the plateau after a 19,341-feet endurance climb to raise funds to support children and their families who have faced trauma across Scotland.

Twenty-four-year-old Fern, of North Berwick, has already collected £1,800 and is aiming to more than double that by the end of the year.

The former North Berwick High School pupil, who is a participation officer at Lacrosse Scotland, told the Courier: “I truly believe that all children deserve the right to a fun, safe and healthy childhood.

“In my role as chairwoman of the North Berwick Community and Surrounding Areas Sports Hub and at Lacrosse Scotland, I see how sport can help children set goals, be motivated, learn disciplines and work in a team – lifelong skills that all children should have access to.

“I’ve also witnessed how sport can be a child’s safe haven when they are facing challenging times – I’m passionate about helping young people as much as possible through the power of sport.

“I’m looking forward to not only the physical element but also the mental challenge as well.

“My life motto is to ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’ so that’s why I’m doing this.

“I would like to thank everyone who has donated so far and give a big shout out to my dogs (Otis and Thea, Hungarian Vizslas) – they have been the perfect training partners!”

The money raised will help Children 1st’s ongoing work to promote the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children, young people and their families in Scotland by offering help and support to survivors of abuse, neglect and other childhood trauma.

After helping over 10,000 children, young people and family members last year alone, Children 1st aim to continue their prevention, protection and recovery work across Scotland.

Mary Glasgow, interim CEO at Children 1st, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Ruth, Fern and the team who have chosen to embark on this experience of a lifetime to raise crucial funds for Children 1st. It’s been humbling to witness the great fundraising efforts the group have gone to already and to see them put themselves forward for such a physically and mentally challenging adventure.

To donate, visit Ruth's page here or Fern's fundraising page here 

For more information on the charity, visit www.children1st.org.uk.