UPDATE on behalf of Mark who is currently on making his way back down from the Kili challenge...

YES he's done it!

We received the following text from him on Saturday: Got to the summit of Kilimanjaro at 6am this morning, reached the highest point called Uhuru - 5,895m. The view at the top is spectacular, and I've got some great photos. It was quite emotional to get to the top as the trek is tough, and also because of the fundraising. The group of 8 who took part are good, and 6 out of the 8 got to the summit.

He has said he is absolutely thrilled with the donations and support he has received so far, and thanks everyone who has donated so far. The support he has received has spurred him on, and we are sure he will achieve his goal.

Quote from Mark: 'I seriously feel like I have overcome something major and I'm now getting on with my life. However, if I can help others in a similar position, then that must be worthwhile'.

And a quick recap as to WHY Mark is currently trekking and climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Despite his extensive 9 cycles of chemotherapy in 2003 and having a major operation four months ago to remove a malignant tumour in his neck/collarbone region, he is determined to climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro on 24.11.2009. 

He has had six major operations in the last six years to remove tumours which do not respond to chemotherapy. 

Nothing is impossible is Mark's motto.  Despite being unlikely to get the 'all clear' for his condition and his body looking like he has survived a shark attack his mind-set is resolutely strong.

Mark was sent a card from the Lance Armstrong Foundation in late 2003 when he was extremely ill and on the front are the words 'SOMETIMES THE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS ARE WON OR LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS, WHEN THE CLIMB IS THE STEEPEST, WHEN THE HEART IS TESTED'. 

He will do everything in his power to attain this goal.

Mark is full of gratitude to the two major hospitals that have helped him so much, being St. James Institute of Oncology, Leeds and The Royal Marsden Hosptal, Sutton and London.  He is also extremely grateful for all the sensitive support he has received from The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre attached to St. James, Bradford Cancer Support and The Yorkshire Care Centre.  He realises and testifies that he has had the best of orthodox medicine and complimentary healing therapies.

Mark has been given so much and now he would like to help other people.  Macmillan Cancer Support is a very worthy charity and he is very pleased to be able to help this charity by gaining sponsorship to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Macmillan Cancer Supports Fundraising Manager Mandy Child, said that since starting work with Macmillan Cancer Support in Sept 09, she is constantly in awe of the levels people will go to overcome adversity. The sheer determination to achieve.. And the selfless acts that people undertake to raise funds to help people living with cancer. People such as Mark are truly inspirational.

‘I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Mark lots of luck’ and don’t forget to take a camera for the breathtaking photo’s at the top’.  

‘I would also like to offer thanks to everyone who is supporting Mark with this challenge. Whilst supporting Mark you are helping Macmillan support people living with cancer’.

For info: Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails.

Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

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