Kilimanjaro climb raises £6,000 for charities and youth football trip

A group of eight men have conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and raised around £6,000 for chosen charities and good causes.

Stephen Shea, 50, of Norden; Simon Regan, 42, of Castleton; James Keeling, 42, of Hopwood; Ryan Mathers, 43, of Rochdale, Patrick Altimus, 45; John Finnerty, 43, of Heap Bridge; Lee Ashworth, 43, of Castleton, and Liam Jones, 23, of Castleton, all tackled the climb of the world’s highest free mountain in Tanzania this month.

The group has raised around £6,000 for a variety of charities, including Rochdale & District Mind, The Stroke Association, Macmillan and helped fund a trip to the Netherlands for the Shawclough Warriors youth football team.

Quantity surveyor Stephen, who opted to raise funds for Rochdale & District Mind in memory of his late friend, John Burke, said: “We all made it to the summit; It was extremely hard. We all pushed ourselves to the physical and mental limits to get there, but it was worth every minute of the seven days to get up and down.

“We all had different reasons for doing it. Mine was for the sense of adventure and to test my limits, as well as to take my friend John to the top with me in spirit, which I am very happy to have done.”

 

 

Stephen continued: “We could not have achieved it without the experience, knowledge, support and care from all the crew at Altezza Travel.

“We were supported by a team of 38 wonderful people who took care of everything from setting up camp, cooking, logistics, everything necessary. And all done with a smile on their faces.

“We are all extremely humbled and eternally grateful to them for helping us achieving our dream.”

He added: “We are all grateful for any donations to our chosen charities and wish to say thanks to those that have already donated. 

“Between us, we have raised approximately £6,000 but we are still getting donations to achieve our individual targets. We would all appreciate as much support and donations to achieve them.”

Donations can be made via specific crowdfunding appeals:

• Stephen – Rochdale & District Mind – www.gofundme.com/f/ny8p9-john-burke
• James – the Stroke Association – www.gofundme.com/f/xs4cw-kilimanjaro
• Ryan – Macmillan – www.gofundme.com/f/killimanjaro-summit-in-aid-of-macmillan
• Patrick – Shawclough Warriors’ trip – please contact Patrick directly on paddya20@icloud.com