STAFF from a foster care firm are going up in the world to help people who have to spend time in care.

In February a 13-strong group of staff, foster carers and social workers with Bromsgrove-based Foster Care Associates is set to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, hoping to raise more than £50,000 for The Rees Foundation.

The recently-launched registered charity offers those who have been in foster or residential care the important support they need to cope with independent living at any stage in their lives. The 11-day trek, taking place from February 6-16, will take the team to the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, in temperatures ranging from very hot at the outset to bitterly cold when they reach the summit. In the lead up to the climb they have been put to their paces with regular training sessions at Snowdonia to ensure they are in peak condition.

David Oldham, chief executive of Foster Care Associates, said: “FCA carers and staff have a strong record in fundraising. This challenge brings together a group of people who feel passionately about establishing a strong support network for those who have spent time in care. The climb and our fundraising target are both very steep and we are very grateful for all donations."

Sarah Milan, director of the Rees Foundation, who is part of the Foster Care Associates Kilimanjaro team, added: “There are many services aimed at those leaving care, but they can only be accessed up to a certain age, so through the Rees Foundation we want to help anyone who has been in care at any stage to thrive as adults.”

To donate to the charity email sarah.milan@reesfoundation.org, or online at https://www.justgiving.com/RFkili15 or text REES57 £(amount) to 70070.