THE manager of a supermarket will be scaling the heights to raise money for charity.

Christopher Vale, who lives in Flag Meadow Walk, Worcester, and who manages Tesco Express, Halesowen, is aiming to climb the 19,341 feet high peak of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

It is a cause close to Mr Vale’s heart.

“My grandad has Alzheimer’s and it is one of the most distressing diseases I have ever seen,” he said.

“It affects not only the person who has it, but also the whole family.

“I know lots of friends who have relatives or friends who struggle with this very under-funded disease.” The 35-year-old, who was born and brought up in Worcester, will be among a team of 23 climbers tackling the mountain.

“This is the first time I will have done anything like it, but I am really looking forward to it.”

Mr Vale joined Tesco as a Saturday trolley lad at the Worcester Warndon store on his 16th birthday.

He has since worked at various stores in the group including St Peter’s, Worcester, and at Kidderminster.

The Alzheimer’s Society is the Tesco charity of the year for 2012 and Mr Vale has set himself a target of £6,000.

To sponsor him, go to the website justgiving.com/ ChrisVale1.