A PODIATRIST who lives near Pershore is putting his best foot forward to raise funds for charity.

Jonathan Small sets off today on an ice-climbing trek across one of the highest active volcanos in the world. He’s climbing Cotopaxi in Ecuador to raise money for the Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association in memory of his mother Pat Small, from Walsall, who died from the disease 16 years ago.

Jonathan was all set for a similar challenge last year but it was beset with problems.

The 45-year-old said: “I volunteered to do a charity trek with a team of husky dogs across Lapland. However, two weeks before the trek, an infected abscess which needed surgery prevented me from going, then the whole trip was cancelled because of the volcanic ash cloud.”

This year an old injury threatened to scupper his plans, but after knee surgery in March, and lots of exercise ever since, Jonathan declared himself fit and well.

The father of one has already raised nearly £4,000 and is keen to increase that total.

To sponsor Jonathan, visit justgiving.com/Footman.