HE'S scaled the highest mountain in Africa and now has his eyes set on reaching the top of the world.

Kevin Lees-Powell, 50, of Chandler's Ford, is off to Argentina next month to conquer Aconcagua, at just below 23,000ft the highest mountain in South America.

Kevin, of Brownhill Road, is using the conquest as a training opportunity for the ultimate mountain expedition in 2006 to Nepal, where he hopes to stand at the 29,028ft summit of Mount Everest.

Having climbed mountain ranges across the world since he was about 14, Kevin is no stranger to high altitudes and physical challenges.

In January this year he climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which at 19,450ft is the highest point on the African continent.

"I'm looking forward to the experience of climbing to a higher altitude this time, but it really is just a stepping stone for Everest," he said.

Kevin, a building surveyor for the Signpost Housing Group, decided to take the ultimate challenge after the death of his wife Christine from ovarian cancer earlier this year.

"I'm using this assault on Everest to gain publicity for a project to raise awareness of ovarian cance," he said.

"Something this large can help capture the imagination more and will hopefully bring more attention and make more women know about the cancer."

Working with GPs, practice managers and health professionals, Kevin is hoping to set up an organisation to help make victims aware of the signs and symptoms of the cancer, to have a better chance of beating it.

In memory of his wife, Kevin aims to set up a website for the campaign, which intends to offer more information from doctors and specialists.

Kevin, who is also a leader for the Explorer Scouts in Chandler's Ford, will start his climb in South America in January.