New Bishop's Kilimanjaro challenge for Berega Hospital

Rt Revd David Walkers Kilimanjaro challenge for Berega Hospital

Manchester's next bishop is preparing for his new role by getting closer to God, literally.

The Rt Revd David Walker will take part, next month, in a charity trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The walk, in aid of a hospital project in Tanzania with which his current diocese is linked, will involve a climb of some 20,000 feet in temperatures that could drop to -20 degrees.

"It's going to be one of the most physically demanding things I've ever done", he admits, "but when I visited the hospital last year and heard stories of women dying in childbirth because they lived in places too remote to get emergency medical care, I knew I had to do something to support them".

Others joining in the 13 strong expedition range from their late teens to late 60s and include a school teacher, two doctors, a retired vicar and a vet.

But does the bishop really believe God will hear his prayers better on Africa's summit? "There's certainly a long tradition, from the bible onwards, of people finding the solitude of a mountain top a good place to pray", he says, before adding, diplomatically, "but I'm also looking forward to being just as close to God on the streets of Salford and the Saddleworth moors".

If you'd like to support Bishop David, click here for the donations page.