A FATHER of four young girls is tackling Mount Kilimanjaro — to help make other children's dreams come true.

John McKie, 30, who is captain of Cowes Sports Football Club, is taking on the challenge in September 2020 but is starting his fundraising in earnest.

He is aiming to raise at least £4,500 for the Make a Wish Foundation, which arranges experiences, or 'wishes', for critically ill children.

He explained: "I had been looking for a challenge for a while and I thought it was time to take the plunge, but I have never done anything like this before.

"I play football for Cowes and stay relatively in shape, but I'll start properly training in the six to nine months leading up to the climb.

"I have young children myself and know that if something serious ever happened to one of them, I would want to make their dreams come true, which is why I chose this charity. The thought that I could help provide a child fulfill a dream is a huge motivation."

Cheering him on from their Northwood home will be wife Jo and daughters Tallulah, nine, Norabella, six, Beau, three, and Murphie, 18 months.

John, a quality manager at St Mary's Hospital, is planning a few fundraising events this year, including a charity gala and auction at Gurnard Pines.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/john-mckie1