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A group of local hikers are looking forward to taking part in a challenging but adventurous trip next week. They will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania while supporting the Southern Area Hospice at the same time.
Emma Mullen, founder of The Happiness Place hiking group and hiker said; “I have to pinch myself that we are about to head to Tanzania next week to do this challenge! For so many of us, this has been a dream, and now we are within touching distance of that dream coming true, and for a charity that is close to the hearts of everyone doing this trek!
"Over the years, our families have lost loved ones to terminal illness and like so many families in our region when faced with this hardship, we turned to the Southern Area Hospice for support. The work and support of this charity was beyond measure. And in loving memory of those we have lost, and to show our gratitude to Southern Area Hospice, we head to climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world – Kilimanjaro! This mountain is 5983m high (that’s 10 Slieve Gullions!) and it will take 8 days to complete, in temperatures from 27degrees reaching -18 at the summit."
Mullen continues "Choosing the Hospice was an easy decision for our group. The Hospice team have been an incredible support as we prepared for the challenge. They explained how the service of the hospice is provided free of charge and rely heavily on voluntary donations to be able to provide their care. In 2023 they need to fundraise £3.6 million and we committed to raise 1% of that - £36,000. To have fundraised £47,500 is beyond all our expectations! And I want to say a huge thank you to our families, our communities and everyone who donated money, products and services to make all of this possible!"
The group already have raised over * £47,500 for the Hospice but are aiming higher and would love to smash £50,000 for the charity. If you would like to support their efforts you can donate on their just giving page www.justgiving.com. You can also follow the hikers journey on Instagram and Facebook at thehappinessplace-hiking (when they have a WiFi connection).
Fundraising Officer, Laura Rowntree said, “we are so thankful to this wonderful group of people for undertaking this incredible challenge and raising such a fantastic sum of money for their local Hospice. They have all worked very hard to prepare for this trek and to raise as much money as possible for our cause, and so on behalf of everyone here at Hospice we thank them sincerely and wish them safe and happy travels.”
* Correction 7/9/23 - They've already raised £47,500 NOT £4000
