When friends of three boys who died in a car crash came to Emery Gate to raise funds, security guard Sam Neale was so inspired he decided to get involved himself.

Now the 32-year-old has signed up to climb the highest mountain in northern Africa - Morocco’s 4,000ft Mount Toubkal.

Mr Neale, a father-of-four from Pewsham, has worked as security manager at the Chippenham shopping centre for three years.

He was working when pals of Jamie Walker, George Forester and Frankie Bowyer, who died when their car hit a tree in Rowde on New Year’s Eve, spent the day raising money in Emery Gate by selling wristbands for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

He said: “I was there while they were doing it and just got chatting with the woman who was organising it and thought it was a really worthwhile cause.

“Their funding is changing at the moment as well, which means they need to raise more money and awareness, so I thought I could help.”

He is in training for a trip to Africa in September, where he will be joined by 19 other people – none of whom he knows – for the epic trek. Each of the climbers is aiming to raise at least £1,500 in sponsorship.

Mr Neale said: “It’s going to be really tough. I’ve never done anything like it before. I did the three peaks in this country but the challenge of the heat and the altitude is going to make it completely different.”

Mr Neale is looking to boost his sponsorship by holding a fun day at Emery Gate on Saturday, August 13. There will be a range of cakes, including a selection sent in from Krispy Kreme Donuts, on sale from 9am.

He said: “I’m hoping to raise up to £2,000 altogether but it’s hard to tell until everyone has paid their money. I’m really grateful to Emery Gate, who have let me hold the fun day and have made a donation to the cause as well.

“I’m hoping some other local businesses will get on board too and support what I think is a really worthwhile cause.”