A HAIRDRESSER from Oswaldtwistle vows to strip naked at the top of one of the world’s highest peaks in memory of a close friend who died from cancer.

Jonathan Kemp, of Arena Hair in Union Road, will hike up Mount Kilimanjaro with his brother-in-law Shaun Barker, in memory of their close friend Stephen Roberts.

Steve, 39, from Colne, lost a battle with liver cancer 12 months ago, leaving behind his wife and two children.

Jonathan, of Mayfield Gardens, Oswaldtwistle, vows to not only climb over 16,000 ft up Africa’s highest volcanic peak, but also says he will strip off in sub-degree temperatures in aid of Cancer Research.

Jonathan, 38, who lives with wife Sharon, 38, and children Jay, 10, and Joss, 17, said: "We wanted to do something in memory of Ste which coincided with Shaun’s 40th birthday."

Shaun, 40, added: "Stephen was a very generous guy. He’d always give you his last penny if he could. We grew up together so were very close. To see such a big strong guy deteriorate was heart-reaking.

"Cancer is something that is touching everybody."

The pair, who will take on the challenge on Friday 25 September, will join a team of 16 walkers from all over the world to complete the six day climb.

But the duo, who have already scaled Britain’s three highest peaks in preparation, say they will have to overcome sub zero temperatures, 70 mph winds and the possibility of altitude sickness before they get anywhere near snapping Jonathan naked at the top.

Jonathan said: "My brother-in-law will take the picture as long as my camera works. I will have to bury it in my underwear to stop it freezing."

Shaun added: "It will be very cold but I will hold him to it. Ste would think we were idiots. We will see how brave he is."

To sponsor go to www.justgiving.com/jonathankemp1 or call Shaun on 07825 785383.