A Walsall Surgeon is preparing for a trip of a lifetime to climb the highest peak in Africa to raise money for charity.

Venugopal Guduri, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, will embark on a seven-day expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on 12 July.

He is taking on the challenge in support of the Trust’s charity Well Wishers.

The Consultant, who joined the Trust three years ago, said: “Climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t just about reaching the top – it’s about resilience, adventure, and pushing yourself to new heights.

“As an Orthopaedic Surgeon, I work with people overcoming physical challenges every day, and this climb is my way of connecting with that journey.”

The trek, which reaches a height of 5,895 metres, will see Venugopal joined by 18 other Doctors from the UK, USA, and India.

Among the group will be someone extra special – his daughter – who shares his passion for mountaineering and is eager to take on the challenge.

He added: “This is something we’ve both dreamed of doing, it’s right at the top of our bucket list and to be able to share this journey with her is incredibly meaningful.”

Over the past few years, Venugopal has built up an impressive portfolio of hiking achievements.

In 2023, he completed the Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal, he summited Ben Nevis alongside eight Consultants from Walsall last year, and more recently, he has completed Scafell Pike, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and completed three hikes in Snowdonia

He said: “This climb is a chance to give back, to inspire others to stay active, and to show what’s possible when you’re driven by purpose.

“Every step we take on that mountain is a step toward helping our patients, staff, and community.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “Venugopal’s passion and dedication is truly inspiring.  After his previous fundraiser in 2023 raised just under £1,100, to now take on Kilimanjaro is no small feat and doing it to raise even more money for our charity makes it even more special.

“We’re proud to have him supporting Well Wishers, and we wish him and the team all the very best for this incredible journey.”