Being a councillor is a hard job at the best of times, but Liberal Democrat Cllr. Gary Malcolm is set to take it a step further.

The leader of the Lib Dem group in Ealing Council is set to climb the tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, which is in the Scottish highlands - but it's all for charity.

I took the time to ask Cllr. Malcolm, who represents the hilly but rather un-mountainous Southfield ward, which covers Acton Vale, making its way down to Acton Green, Chiswick and ending in Turham Green some questions.

Why have you decided to climb the biggest mountain in the country?

"I have climbed Ben Nevis in the Summer when it was nice and sunny and warm. I decided to climb it in Winter as it will be colder, much more tricky and I love a challenge."

What inspired you to take up this challenge?

"I wanted to raise money for a good charity at the same time so I chose Breast Cancer Haven as a friend of mine developed Breast Cancer and with the help of the NHS and Breast Cancer Haven got rid of the cancer."

What work does your chosen charity, Breast Cancer Haven, carry out?
 

"They help those people who get cancer during the treatment and afterwards when many of the post surgical / treatment issues arise such as mental health issues. They provide support and activities for not just those with cancer but their families who also need emotional support."

Have you ever climbed mountains before?

"I am an experiences mountaineer and climbed many 5000m and 4000m in the Alps and Nepal."

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Ben Nevis is a challenging prospect even at daytime - and looks somewhat different to Southfields.

Many people have climbed Ben Nevis before. Is there anything you’re doing to spice it up?

"Many people climb Ben Nevis in the summer but I am doing a different route (called the Observatory Ridge) which is at the back of the mountain and involves a combination of rock climbing up a 80 degree ice face. I will be using ice axes and there is a chance I might fall off and crash down the 500 metres I am climbing to get to the summit. And I will be climbing it in the dark at about 2am which means it will be very cold."

How can people who want to help this brilliant campaign donate?

"People can donate via my JustGiving page - the link is here.

Cllr. Malcolm has served Southfield ward since 2002. He has currently raised £437 for charity, roughly two-thirds of his overall goal of £600.

The charity he is raising money for, Breast Cancer Haven, runs centres across the country providing support for women and men who have been affected by providing both physical help from trained nurses and emotional support such as counselling through tough times. More information can be found on their website here.

PATRICK GREEN, Cardinal Wiseman Sixth Form.