A DAD has set his sights on climbing one of the world's tallest mountains after ambitious plans to complete a sponsored silence for a whole year were abandoned due to concerns about his mental health.

Charity hero Lee Clark, 41, has become something of a local legend in Southend for his fundraising work, which has seen him raise more than £200,000 in just a few years.

Previous fundraisers included a sponsored three-month silence at work and Lee had planned to ramp up the challenge by staying quiet for a full-year, including at home.

However, the idea has now been scrapped after doctors strongly advised against the challenge amid concerns over his mental and physical well-being.

Lee, who is from Southend, said: "Doctors said it would have long-term side effects if I didn't use my vocal chords every day.

"There was the mental impact too, I know I have struggles, and if something was wrong, I wouldn't be able to open up to my wife or get help.

Read more >> 'Why I'm doing a three-month sponsored silence'

"My wife and children didn't want me to do it, and after thinking about what the doctors said, I didn't then want my family suffering because of me, or not being able to talk to my wife and children.

"I am gutted but I am determined to do it when my girls are older and not so dependent on me.

"I will still do my usual shortly sponsored silence at work, as I'm sure everyone still wants a bit of a break from my voice."

After not being able to do what he hoped, Lee has set himself a new challenge of climbing the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro.

He will be doing the climb in September next year and will be raising money for the charity, Against Breast Cancer.

Lee added: "I have never done anything like this before except the UK peaks, and I feel this will be a great experience that I will be able to tell my wife and girls about, and one day grandchildren.

"Everything someone donates or sends me a message it really does inspire me to keep pushing my body and raising money for charity."

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/3OFDwB6