Maltese mountaineer Rita Saliba officially set off on Friday for her latest expedition, heading to the airport as she begins her journey to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina - the highest peak in South America, in aid of abandoned animals.

The 31-year-old climber, known for her achievements in both mountaineering and rock climbing, will attempt to summit the nearly 7,000-metre mountain in the coming days, with her final push planned for early January, weather permitting.

For Saliba, this climb is not just a personal challenge on the path toward completing the Seven Summits - the tallest peaks on each continent - but also a meaningful campaign to raise funds and awareness for Malta’s Association for Abandoned Animals (AAA), a cause close to her heart.

Over the past two years, Saliba has already summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Elbrus in Russia, steadily progressing through her goal of scaling each continent’s most formidable heights.

Ahead of her departure, Saliba expressed excitement and determination for the challenge ahead, combining her love of adventure with her commitment to supporting animal welfare back home.

Members of the public are encouraged to donate to Saliba's Climb for a Cause; Aconcagua Expedition in aid of the AAA via Revolut to +356 9924 0889, via payments through www.aaamalta.com, via bank transfer to APS IBAN MT34APSB77013000000042920110013 or via SMS donation, adding "RITA" or "ACONCAGUA" as the reference with your donation.

Visit Malta, Eeetwell and Daniels Antiques and Collectibles are sponsoring Rita.