A RAF station commander's wife is stepping out of her husband's shadow by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.

Kate Davies, the wife of RAF Marham station commander Group Captain Rich Davies, will be trekking 5895m (19,341ft) to the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, in October, while her hubby's at home looking after the children.

The team of seven climbers- including servicemen, their wives and BAE Systems personnel - is taking on the challenge to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, which helps personnel and their families in times of bereavement, injury and disability.

Mrs Davies said: 'We will be gone for 10 days, even though it takes just eight days to climb it.

'The altitude is the main issue and one third of people don't reach the summit. I have always wanted to do it.

'One of the other wives, Sandie approached me about it last year. She's doing it as well. It's a challenge.

'My boys are so proud of everything their dad does, I want to make them proud of me as well.'

Her husband said he would love to do it as well, but he added: 'This is her thing'.

The climb will count as one of the 100 events being carried out to celebrate RAF Marham's centenary year.

Meanwhile, the fire section at RAF Marham held a charity car wash to raise money towards the team's fundraising total.

It was the brainchild of Sgt Jim Graves, who said: 'We have an annual car wash. We thought this would raise awareness of the team and raise funds.

'We washed about 40 cars, including the station commander's, and raised £350.'

To support the team, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kate-Davies22