JENNIFER Lonergan plans to be on top of the world’s largest single mountain to remember the day her brother Anthony took his own life.

The wife of former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Andy Lonergan leads a team of eight on a four-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro today, looking to raise £250,000 for two causes close to her heart.

If all goes according to plan, the team will conclude their 5,895 metre ascent five years to the day since Jennifer’s brother passed away – but though the mother-of-two admits it will be an emotional experience, she hopes her story can send a positive message to those who have been through a similar situation.

“We are due to summit on the anniversary, and I am sure it will be difficult,” she told The Bolton News. “When it happened, the world just stopped.

“Andrew was playing at Bolton but he didn’t speak to anyone about it. I think he struggled with it more than I did, initially. And nobody at the club really knew other than the manager, Dougie Freedman, because he needed a day off.

“Since we decided to do this I think it has helped him talk about it and work through the emotions he had at the time.”

Jennifer is donating 50 per cent of the money raised to leading charity, Mind, and hopes to use her experiences to highlight the need for football to better address mental health issues.

“I remember my brother watched the documentary Clarke Carlisle did about mental health in football and was so glad he had done it. I think it rationalised how he was thinking at the time,” she said.

“He emailed Clarke to say thanks for making the programme, for having the courage, and he was delighted to get an email back. They exchanged a few messages, and it was lovely of Clarke to keep in touch.

“It is so important for people to know there is no shame in speaking about your feelings and admitting you need help. There are people out there who can offer support – like Mind – and the more high-profile people, like Danny Rose (the England international) who are brave enough to say ‘it’s okay to discuss your mental health’ then the more people can manage their problems.

“The statistics for men are frightening. And in football, I think there are problems that we are only now starting to address.”

The other half of the money raised will be given to the Gem Appeal, which helps children and young people who are diagnosed with life-limiting disorders.

Jennifer’s daughter Millie was born in 2006 with rare blood disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU), meaning she had to make regular visits to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Both Jennifer and Andy Lonergan – now playing for Middlesbrough - have been helping to raise money for the Gem Appeal for several years, and it is through the charity she got to know Laura Wheater, wife of Wanderers captain David Wheater.

“We’ve been really close to Jen and Andy since their days at Bolton and supported charity work,” she said. “This time I’ve gone a step further and done something a bit crazy. I must have been with David too long.

“Normally I’m at home and looking after two kids but I turn 30 soon, so if I can go and challenge myself by raising money and helping my friend, I’ll do it.

“It has been hard work and I have had moments where I’m a bit panicked with all the training involved. David said to me the other day ‘are you sure you’re not underestimating this?’ But we’re determined to get to the top.”

Jade Sharp, wife of Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp, is also part of the group, which sets off today.

Jade was helped by Mind after the tragic death of her son Luey in 2011 from a condition called gastroschisis.

To support Jennifer, Laura and Jade visit gofundme.com/team-250-kilimanjaro.