A SOLDIER shot through the spine in Iraq and a man with one leg are among a group of five friends set to tackle the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Lance Corporal Jon Le Galloudec, based with 4th Battalion the Rifles at Bulford, was shot in the back in 2007 and has since made a partial recovery, while John Sandford-Hart, 43, from Ringwood, had his leg amputated in February after being injured in a powerboat accident in 2002.

They will be joined by Richard Glover, 38, Mr Sandford-Hart’s business partner and Rifles soldiers Corporal Tony Burbidge, 27, and Colour Sergeant Stewart Le Couilliard, 38, on the 15,000ft climb.

The group aim to reach the top of Africa’s tallest mountain in just seven days, hoping to raise £100,000 for forces charity Help for Heroes.

Mr Sandford-Hart said: "Help for Heroes has always been close to my heart as my dad served a lifetime in the RAF.

"We wanted to do something really spectacular to honour them.

"It will be a case of mind over matter. We want to show people that if we can do it anyone can."

Anyone wishing to donate can log on to thebandoffive.com.