FAMILY and friends of a man who died of cancer will be spreading his ashes on the summit of Africa’s highest mountain.

Martin Middleton, a former project manager for Nightingale House Hospice, died more than two years ago and was described by his colleagues as “truly one of a kind”.

Martin lived with his family in Africa for four years and actually took up the challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 1984.

His family and friends will now be making the same gruelling trek in his memory and will be scattering his ashes at the peak.

Taking part will be Martin’s two sons, Roger and Steve, Margaret Hollings, the hospice’s community fundraiser, and family friend Matt Havercroft.

The four will also be raising money for Nightingale House Hospice where Martin worked for more than two years and where he was cared for before he died.

Roger, who is distribution centre supervisor at Nightingale House Hospice, said:
“Dad had such wonderful memories of the years he lived in Africa and his wish was always to return one day.

“My dad will now get his wish, as on our expedition to the summit of Africa’s highest point we are taking his ashes to rest on the mountain he also conquered.

“He was a fit, strong, healthy and wonderful man.”

The group has set up a website www.justgiving.com/Rogmigskiliclimb where people can get more information about the trip and how to donate.

More than £1,100 has been raised so far but they hope to get £5,000 to support the work of Nightingale House Hospice.

Margaret Hollings, who worked alongside Martin for more than two years, said: “It is an honour to be a part of the trip and to be raising money that will help other patients and their families who need the care and support of the hospice, just as Martin had.”