A team of seven have climbed Africa’s highest mountain to raise funds for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) – each with their own personal reasons but ultimately working towards the same goal of a world free from meningitis and septicaemia.
Carly Molyneux from Bolton climbed in memory of her cousin Jayden Lee Conway who tragically died after contracting meningitis at eight months of age.
Mum and daughter, Ragubir and Parveen Hargun from Southall, Middlesex, took on the challenge in memory of Paawan Purba. Paawan, who tragically died at the age of 20 from meningococcal meningitis, was Ragubir’s niece and Parveen’s cousin.
Tara Quick from Kew in Surrey made the decision to join the Kili team because her daughter Rosie has grown up with a range of after effects having survived meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia at 9 weeks old.
Wayne Cowley from Milcombe in Oxfordshire climbed in memory of daughter Mia, from his wife Laura Cowley’s previous marriage. Mia tragically lost her life to meningococcal septicaemia at six months old.
Niall Taylor from Bristol was inspired by reading some of the desperately sad stories on MRF’s website. Aware of the work that MRF does to support people affected, and with MRF’s headquarters close to his home in Bristol, Niall was eager to join the Kili team and to make a difference.
Ian Beningfield, Head of Fundraising at MRF provided the entertainment, and felt privileged to have the chance to join this special team.
On this eight day adventure, along with a team of guides, the group trekked through tropical rainforests, ascending above cloud level and finally reaching their ultimate goal – Uhuru, the 5,895m high ice-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, on Saturday 28 October. In total the group raised over £20,000 which will make a huge difference to the charity.
MRF is extremely grateful to everyone who took part in this enormous challenge of conquering one of the seven wonders of the natural world, to raise funds for the charity.