A YOUNG woman is set to make history by climbing Kilimanjaro as part of a group of people who suffer from diabetes.

Imogen Brown, of Knowl Hill, Kingsclere, will scale the mountain in June alongside 19 others for JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity.

It is believed that the group will be the largest team of people with the condition to attempt the gruelling mountain climb.

Imogen, 20, said she hopes to raise awareness of the chronic condition through the climb.

She said: “I want to show how living with this condition doesn’t necessarily stop you from achieving whatever you set out to do.

“In addition, I want to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes and eradicate the stigma that goes with it.

“I did not get type 1 diabetes from eating a poor diet or living an unhealthy lifestyle – it is an auto-immune condition which I could not prevent.”

Amongst those joining Imogen on the trek will be Becky Botham-Armstrong, daughter of cricket legend Sir Ian Botham, and professional snowboarder Chris Southwell, both of whom live with the condition and support JDRF.

Imogen, a student at the University of Sheffield, said: “I know it will be a challenge, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.

“It will be a lot more difficult for us than it would be for people without diabetes, but we will support each other and there will be medical staff on hand.”

The trek up Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak – will take place between June 12 and June 14.

As a group, the climbers hope to raise a grand total of £40,000 and Imogen has already hit her individual £750 target.

She said: “The more money we can raise, the better. It is a fantastic charity.”

Karen Addington, chief executive of JDRF, said: “The JDRF Climb Kilimanjaro challenge is a fantastic opportunity for those with type 1 diabetes to prove to themselves and the world that having the condition does not have to stop them embracing the most demanding and exciting challenges.

“I wish all participants the best of luck, and thank them for their support, which will help take us one step closer to finding the cure for this condition.”

To sponsor Imogen, please visit virginmoney giving.com/ImogenBrown.