A STUDENT scaled Mount Kilimanjaro to raise cash for the Birmingham care home where her uncle lives and which had been threatened with closure.

Claire Matthews, 22, donated almost £600 to Bramley Court in Yardley Wood after being so impressed with the care afforded to her uncle John ‘Jock’ Smith.

The complex is run by Southern Cross, the UK’s biggest care home chain, which collapsed earlier this year and is having to transfer ownership of all 750 of its homes to independent care operators.

The 76-bed Bramley Court is expected to be taken over by Zest Care Homes Ltd by the end of October.

Claire said: “I really wanted to help because the staff there are brilliant and always very friendly.

“I know they are always trying to fundraise to take the residents out on trips and to improve people’s quality of life.”