A Camden police officer has raised thousands of pounds for charity by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of his late brother.

Pc Ishaan Joshi, who is stationed at Kentish Town police station, is currently hiking on the world’s tallest freestanding mountain in Tanzania, Africa, in support of the Cardiomyopathy Association.

He is expected to complete the eight-day trek to the summit and back tomorrow, having set off from the UK last Thursday.

The 25-year-old’s brother Prashant had a cardiac arrest and died suddenly on his way to play football at the age of 22 in 2009.

A post mortem examination showed he had inherited cardiomyopathy – a disease causing the heart to thicken, affecting its rhythm and its ability to pump effectively.

Other members of the family have since had in-depth heart checks for the condition.

Pc Joshi, who lives in Kilburn, said: “Prashant had a heart of gold. He was a young man who gave to others before himself. He was a role model and the greatest brother anyone could wish for. He was a great son, brother, cousin and friend.

“In his memory, I’m now planning to follow suit and help others affected by cardiomyopathy. People who sponsor me today will help provide help to other families with cardiomyopathy in the future.

“I also want to raise awareness of the disease which is the biggest medical cause of sudden death in people aged under 35.”

Kilimanjaro is more than 19,000ft high and climbers face a variety of climate zones, as well as altitude sickness during the trek. Temperatures range from hot and humid tropical rainforest to polar conditions at the summit.

Speaking ahead of the climb, Pc Joshi said he was ready to take on the challenge.

“I am relatively fit and healthy. I go to the gym frequently and have competed as an amateur boxer, representing the police,” he said.

“But climbing Kilimanjaro is really tough and demanding and many people who climb it do not manage to get to the top. So I have been doing a lot of extra and harder uphill training.”

Pc Joshi has so far raised more than £4,000 of his £5,000 target for the Cardiomyopathy Association, which provides information and support to families affected by cardiomyopathy. The charity also helps to educate medical professionals and schools about the disease by organising events throughout the year.

To support Pc Joshi’s efforts, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/IshaanJoshi