A CHARITY worker is climbing the highest mountain in the world next month to raise awareness of the plight of women in war-torn countries.

Nora Russell is one of ten women climbing to Mount Everest base camp, at a height of 5,300ft, for charity Women to Women International.

Leading the group, which set out on October 5, will be explorer Susan Harper Todd, one of only five women to have stood on the summit of Everest.

Ms Russell, who was born and raised in Crouch End and moved out last year, said: “This is our first ever challenge event – ordinary women from lots of different backgrounds taking this on.

“Susan Harper Todd approached us, saying she couldn't necessary give you a cheque, but I can support you by leading this expedition. It was an offer we couldn't refuse.”

Ms Russell works as the major gifts officer at the charity, which is based in Southwark, and has along with the other participants been asked to raise £10,000.

She has already raised more than £3,500 and says the expedition is about fundraising and also raising awareness of the work the charity does.

Women for Women was set up in 1993, helping women traumatised by war rebuild their lives and cope with the losses they have suffered.

It is established in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda and Sudan, and the money raised by the trek will go towards expanding its network and reaching more women in need.

Ms Harper Todd said: What I particularly like about Women for Women is that they don’t just give out money.

“Instead through a one year programme, they help women gain the skills and give them the support they need to rebuild their lives, earn an income and find a place and a voice in their own communities.”

The budding explorers completed a climb of Mount Snowdon earlier this month, and hope to complete the Everest trek within two weeks.

To sponsor Ms Russell and learn more about Women for Women, you can go to http://www.justgiving.com/Nora-Russell0.