Kenya Climb

But a trio representing the Mount Noddy Animal Rescue Centre, near Arundel, will raise at least 3,900 for the RSCPA mobile cat neutering unit, when they climb Mount Kenya in October.

Mount Noddy manager Anna Stevens will be joined by her daughter, Marie, who works as an RSPCA officer in Horsham, and animal welfare assistant Ashley Pledger, who works with Anna.

"None of us have ever done anything like this before and it seemed a great opportunity to raise much needed funds, as well as seeing the big cats in the game reserves," explained Anna.

For many years, Mount Noddy has been able to offer a low-priced cat neutering service to pet owners living in Littlehampton, Arundel and the surrounding villages.

But the RSPCA mobile cat neutering unit, which provides this service not just to Mount Noddy, but to centres all over Kent, Sussex and Essex, costs 40,000 a year to staff and run.

The service is essential as it reduces the number of unwanted kittens, for which the RSPCA tries hard to find homes.

Unfortunately, there are never enough homes for all of them, and so many must be put down, which causes great distress.

Anna, Ashley and Marie will spend six days trekking up the 17,075ft extinct volcano, with overnight stays in tents. They will also spend two days at the remote Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

They would love to hear from anyone who can sponsor them on their trek and all donations, no matter how small, will make a difference.

If you are interested in helping, please write or send donations to: RSPCA Mount Noddy, Blackmills Lane, Eartham, West Sussex, PO18 0LL.

The RSPCA is still accepting applications from anyone interested in taking part in the trek.

For more information, write to: Richard McCrow, RSPCA SE Region Mount Kenya Challenge, PO Box 313, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5YG, or ring him on 01622 693675.