We, that is Cath, Ricky, Claire and Greg are joining a team of 16 people climbing Africa's highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. We aim to reach the summit standing at 19,340ft after 5 days to raise needed funds for Bowel Cancer UK and Loros Hospice, Leicestershire.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest killer with over 42,000 people diagnosed every year. 94% are aged over 50 with 59% aged over 70. More than 2,500 new cases are diagnosed each year in people under the age of 50. In 2018 we said goodbye to a close friend and colleague, Anne McIntosh, who lost her battle with bowel cancer. She fought for many months but always had a smile on her face. She was a beautiful person who had a huge impact on so many people. I was very lucky to have her as my "work mum". Christmas 2019, my father in law (Ricky's Dad) was also diagnosed with bowel cancer. He is very lucky as it was caught in the early stages. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable if diagnosed early however as the disease develops the survival rate gets less. Bowel Cancer UK are determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by Bowel Cancer.

Loros Hospice is a local charity who every year care for over 2,500 people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Loros delivers free, high-quality, compassionate care and support to terminally ill patients and their family. The care is special and unique to each individual and all of the services are provided free to adult patients and their families. The care provided is tailored to the needs of each patient. Loros help people living with cancer and other terminal illnesses.The services are provided by a team of dedicated health and social care professionals both at the Hospice or in patients' own homes. Loros’s 343 staff are helped by 1,500 volunteers. Loros has 29 charity shops located throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.90p of every £1 received goes towards patient care.

Greg will be doing this trek in memory of his daughter’s friend, Leah Beth Reek along with her boyfriend Shane, his mum Mary and brother Sean who were tragically killed in the Leicester insurance explosion on Hinckley Road on the 25th February 2018.

Leah was a beautiful person inside and out, who’s smile lit up any room she entered, she was so caring and she regularly volunteered at LOROS helping those less fortunate than her. In recognition of Leah’s LOROS connection and in a desire to keep her memory burning brightly, her family and friends created the “Leah Beth Legacy” which helps raise funds for LOROS as a memory to Leah’s “legacy of love and kindness,” for which will be remembered for ever.

Cath, Ricky, Greg & Claire xx