A Redbridge man with Parkinson's has scaled one of the world's highest mountains to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Jagdeep Singh Aujla, 53, was diagnosed with the condition last year but said staying active helps him physically and mentally.

He took on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, which is Africa's tallest mountain and is 19,341 feet tall.

Jagdeep, an IT manager who works at the Adult College of Barking and Dagenham, completed the trek up to the mountain's peak with his daughter Japleen, 22, in just seven days.

He explained: “It was the best experience sharing this challenge with my daughter.

"Summit day was the hardest day, we were up at 11pm ready to summit at midnight. We only had two hours sleep and had to climb 1,200 metres in the pitch dark, and in freezing cold weather.

"It was at this point that we saw a few other trekkers turn back as it was really tough, but thanks to having each other, we managed to stay positive throughout and are really proud that we reached the summit."

They have raised more than £10,000 for national charity Parkinson's UK, which funds research in a bid to find a cure for the condition.

Jagdeep has taught martial arts for more than 30 years and completed marathons and other treks.

He added: "I hope that by sharing my story I will encourage others to stay active and raise awareness of Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s UK.

"We really do believe that there’s a cure just around the corner and we want to be a part of that.”

Jagdeep also starred in a national TV advert as part of the We Are Undefeatable charity campaign.

The initiative, which launched in August 2019, sees a collaboration of 16 health and social care charities to encourage people with long-term health conditions such as Parkinson's to get active.  

Jagdeep said: "I do wonder what would have happened to me if I wasn’t exercising."

People can still donate to their fundraiser - visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jag-jap.