Local residents conquer Kilimanjaro for Dorothy House

Three friends from Bratton took on the adventure of a lifetime last month, as they trekked up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for local hospice Dorothy House. 

Andrea Franklin, Dave Waller, and Steve Ridley have so far raised over £4,000 from their trek, which covered over 50 miles to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world. 

“Our trek started on 6th October, ascending through dense rainforest followed by steep ascents, which took us on to high moorland where the landscape and character of the mountain changed completely,” said Andrea. “By day three, we had climbed up to 4,600 m, but following the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low,’ we descended to sleep at 3,900 m for the night. 

“On our final day, we walked steeply upwards for five hours to the summit glaciers at 5,895 m, which we reached just after sunrise on the morning of 10th October. With less than 50% oxygen, the climb had been very challenging, but what goes up must come down!” 

Andrea added, “On the final day, we woke to a glorious sunrise above the clouds before heading back down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate to collect our all-important certificates! 

“The local Tanzanian crew that supported us were completely amazing. I think we would all agree that climbing Kilimanjaro has been the toughest challenge, both physically and mentally, any of us has completed through our many walks of life, but it’s one none of us regret.” 

The group said they undertook the challenge not only for the personal goal of stretching their physical and mental endurance but also to raise much-needed funds for Dorothy House. “Their work is so important to our community, and we want to support them as much as possible,” Andrea said. “We would like to thank everyone who has generously donated to our JustGiving page.” 

To donate to their JustGiving page and support their fundraising efforts, visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/3-do-kilimanjaro