COMPUTER supplier Paul Nicol started to suffer problems with his eyesight when he was 14 and by the time he was 25 he was blind.

But he has not allowed his disability to limit his lofty ambitions and in January he will climb 19,340ft to the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro.

As the father-of-one from Bicester cannot see the hazards during his rocky ascent, he will be relying on the eyes of a Sherpa.

Mr Nicol, 33, who works in customer support for Milton Park-based RM Education, aims to raise £3,800 for Helen and Douglas House, a hospice in East Oxford for children and young people.

He said: “When I hold my hand in front of my face I cannot see my fingers, so I will not be able to see where I am placing my feet on rocky ground.

“A couple of weeks ago, I climbed Snowdon and it was not too bad until we started climbing up the rocks.

“I have always tried to set myself challenges – I completed a tandem skydive about two years ago – and if a blind man can climb a mountain I am hoping it will inspire other people to go on and do whatever they want to do.”

Mr Nicol lives with wife Emma, 32, and daughter Bethany, 18 months.

He suggested taking part in the fundraising climb after bosses at his firm asked staff members to suggest personal challenges that the company could support.

He added: “RM has given me £1,900 towards my fundraising target and I am hoping to raise £3,800 for Helen and Douglas House through my justgiving page, although it would be great if I could raise even more.

“I will be attached to my guide all the way, but I have no doubt that this will be one of the biggest challenges of my life.

“I’m told we start climbing just after the rainy season but it will be very cold at the top where there will be plenty of Snow.”

Lin Beekar, a spokesman for Helen and Douglas House hospice, said: “This would be a remarkable challenge for anyone – for Paul to have chosen us as his charity is amazing and we really appreciate his efforts.”

Anyone wanting to support Mr Nicol can visit his JustGiving page at justgiving.com/PaulsEpicClimb