A north Norfolk man will be tackling the second of the seven mountains he has pledged to climb when he heads for Europe's highest peak.

North Norfolk News: Travelling down from a Mont Blanc climb in 2016. Picture: Philip NolanTravelling down from a Mont Blanc climb in 2016. Picture: Philip Nolan (Image: Philip Nolan)

Philip Nolan climbed Kilimanjaro last year and on July 26, heads to Terskol in southwest Russia, to climb Mount Elbrus.

He said: "I will be climbing with my long-term climbing partners and friends David Green and Sasha Ashikhmina.

"Early in 2020, I will be aiming to summit Aconcagua in Argentina and, maybe, Carstenz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) in Indonesia later in the year, my third and fourth mountains.

"The fifth is Denali in Alaska. The two biggest challenges, both logistically and financially, will be Vinson in Antarctica and Everest. These are likely to be my sixth and seventh mountains and I want to summit Everest in 2022/23."

North Norfolk News: At the summit of Cotopaxi, 2013. Picture: Philip NolanAt the summit of Cotopaxi, 2013. Picture: Philip Nolan (Image: Philip Nolan)

The 33-year-old has lived and worked in Dubai for four years as a security consultant, after serving as an officer in the British Army.

He climbed his first big mountain in 2013 in Ecuador and said the feeling of accomplishment was unique.

He added: "You can't do anything about the weather, conditions and what happens on 'game day', but you can be the best version of yourself to deal with those additional challenges. I hope to provide some kind of inspiration to my friends and family too.

"A large part of my motivation is climbing for an amazing charity, ABF, which helps soldiers and their families, both serving and retired. I have a number of friends who have benefited from the ABF and I want to raise awareness and funds for them."

North Norfolk News: Philip Nolan, a few metres away from the summit of Mera Peak. Everest in the background over his right shoulder. Picture: Philip NolanPhilip Nolan, a few metres away from the summit of Mera Peak. Everest in the background over his right shoulder. Picture: Philip Nolan (Image: Philip Nolan)

To train, he spends a lot of time climbing the staircase of his 88-floor apartment block in the middle of Dubai Marina.

He said: "I carry up to 16kg of weight in my backpack, wear my mountain boots and, sometimes, wear an altitude training mask. I am now climbing upwards of 400 floors a week, with about 20km of running outdoors in 37C heat."

He studied history at the University of East Anglia, and has a family home in Gresham.

If you want to sponsor him, visit www.justgiving.com/honeybadgerinchief

North Norfolk News: Philip Nolan's Kilimanjaro climb in 2018. Pictures: supplied by Philip NolanPhilip Nolan's Kilimanjaro climb in 2018. Pictures: supplied by Philip Nolan (Image: Archant)