BEST?FOOT?FORWARD: Cleveland electrician Andrew Cooper hopes to raise $8000 for research into prostate cancer when he climbs Africa�s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, in August. Photo: Melissa Gibson
Cleveland electrician Andrew Cooper loves a good challenge, which is why he is setting out in August to climb to the top of Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
The 30-year-old father of three boys decided to undertake the gruelling mountain trek to raise more than $8000 for research into prostate cancer.
A customer inspired him to rise to the challenge and, in November last year, Mr Cooper signed up for the eight-day return trek up 5895m to the top of the dormant volcano.
"I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into when I first signed up but, in April, I finally got around to buying some hiking boots," he said.
"That was when I finally got into training for this little 'walk'.
"I was shocked to find out that walking for 29 years is far from enough training.
"As I get stuck into more walking, I will go on mountain treks every weekend to build up my fitness and shed a few kilos," he said.
As part of his training regime, every weekend until the mountain climb on August 23, Mr Cooper will tackle some of Queensland's toughest mountain terrain.
He's also going to use the Lions football team's altitude chamber, which he said was a good chance to meet some of his favourite AFL stars such as captain Jonathan Brown and defender Daniel Merrett.
He's hoping that friends and supporters will join his treks to keep him company and get fit at the same time.
In March, he visited the research centre at the Mater Private Hospital at South Brisbane, and met Mater Foundations Prostate Cancer Research project head Professor John Hooper.
"It was great to see where the money we raise will be going and how it will assist in the fight to cure and prevent prostate cancer," Mr Cooper said.
"Many people do not know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men and is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men, killing 3300 each year.
"So it's time to help raise awareness for the research project," he said.
The former Cleveland District State High School student is known for his community contributions through his Cleveland-based electrician contracting company Task Industries.
Last year, he organised a gang of electricians to donate their time and skills to get the power back on at Rocklea after last year's flood.
"He's definitely a guy who gets things done and loves a challenge," said business partner John Shaw.
"The challenge for us will be the three weeks he is away from the office but when he gets back, he'll be hungry for the next challenge.
"He's already raised $2600 but he's got less than two months to raise the rest and we hope the community will dig deep and help him out," Mr Shaw said.
While in Africa, Mr Cooper's team will also visit an orphanage and a school in Tanzania.
Anyone wishing to sponsor Mr Cooper on his mountain fund raising challenge can go to everydayhero.com.au and search for Andrew Cooper.