A SOCCER referee has set off on the challenge of a lifetime in memory of his girlfriend’s father who died in a hospice just two weeks ago.

Stuart McKenzie, 34, from Polegate, is taking part in the Kilimanjaro Challenge and will be refereeing a game at the very top of the mountain.

He is part of a team of four officials which includes former Premier League referee Mark Halsey.

The trek lasts eight days and the game, to be played on Tuesday, will be in the crater.

The football match will be played at 5,730 metres above sea level, hopefully breaking a Guinness world record for the highest game of football.

All 40 players and officials on the trek will walk up the mountain, play the game and then walk down again.

Mr McKenzie, a housing support worker, has taken on the challenge in memory of his girlfriend’s father Leonard Thom, who died of cancer last month.

He said: “This is a massive task to undertake but I am determined to succeed.

“It has all happened very quickly. I only found out three weeks ago as I was a reserve for a referee who dropped out.

“I never thought I had a chance of being selected so I was thrilled when I received an email saying I was going.

“I am determined to succeed in memory of Len. He was a great man and my girlfriend Julia and I miss him dearly.

“He was a very special man – so warm and kind. I know he would approve of what I am doing.

“He was a very loving and caring individual who welcomed me into his family with open arms and will be sorely missed.”

Len was 72 when he passed away. He lived in Eastbourne and worked for local architects

Mr McKenzie has to raise £5,000 by December 15 – so far he has raised around £1,000.

All money goes to The Steve Prescott Foundation and The Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating more than 40,000 patients a year.

Mr McKenzie, who referees on average about five games each week throughout Sussex, said: “Please sponsor me. I really want to do this.

“I want to make a difference.

“Many clubs around the county circuit know me well.

“I suppose I’m a bit of a character but I am also very passionate and when I want to do something then I do it.

“It is certainly something very different to what I have done in the past.”

To sponsor Stuart go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart-mckenzie10.

Alternatively, text VLSU74 £5 (or any amount from £1 to £10) to 70070.

He is due to return to England next Thursday.