Steve Radcliffe
Steve's Kilimanjaro Challenge (and other acts of lunacy)
Fundraising for Phyllis Tuckwell
Story
Fundraising Update – 4th April 2022
I am full steam ahead for my fundraising this year and can confirm that unless something goes horribly wrong, I’ll be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2022. I’ve also started booking other events in and I’ll be doing at least twelve (two a month until September) other challenges in the run up to the expedition to Africa.
I’ll be kicking things off over the easter weekend with two running races (a seven and an eight miler) over on the Isle of Wight and then following that up with Frimley 10k and Walk the Wight (26.6 mile walk) in May. As I book up more events, I’ll let you know. Of course, I’ll also be getting on with training to get up that mountain in between all this, with training hikes and weekends away in the Brecons and Snowdonia coming up. I’m shattered just thinking about it!
I guess I just need to crack on now! I’m current in very poor shape, having put on quite a bit of timber over the last couple of years, and my back is being an absolute git. However, I will throw everything I have at this, I promise.
Please help me to raise as much money for the hospice as you can. I know many of you have already donated and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.
Fundraising Update - May 2021
Kilimanjaro exped cancelled again :-( Moved to October 2022. I WILL get up that mountain!
Kilimanjaro exped cancelled again :-( Moved to October 2022. I WILL get up that mountain!
Fundraising Update - June 2020
Well 2020 hasn’t quite gone to plan, has it? Coronavirus has pretty much scuppered everybody’s plans for this year and I’m afraid that includes my fundraising challenges. At the time of writing this, I should have completed 7 of my 15 challenges, with my first ever standard distance triathlon happening tomorrow. I’m gutted it’s not going ahead (but also slightly relieved!).
This week we had communication from the company organising our Kilimanjaro trip. They were hoping very much that our climb in September could still go ahead, but with the virus still impacting the UK as it is, they have made the difficult decision to cancel the expedition. Double gutted.
However, fear not. 2021 is a new year and, fingers crossed, will be pandemic free. I have decided to cut and paste my fundraising plans from this year into next year. Depending on what events are available, the line-up may change a little. However:
Having consulted with my fellow Kili climbers, we have decided to move the trip out to September 2021. This has been agreed by the tour operator and is now booked and confirmed! Hurray!
I will continue to train as much as I can this year, although that’s easier said than done whilst we’re shielding. The main effort will be picked up again in January, with the challenges starting again in April.
Thank you to everyone for your support. You have already helped me raise an amazing amount for the hospice and I can’t thank you enough.
Please remember that our charities are operating like normal and still rely heavily on donations. While we’re all unable to get out there and do stupid things to raise funds, many amazing organisations are struggling. If you can spare a couple of quid to help out Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice right now, please do. You can still donate via my JustGiving page.
Thank you for your understanding and I hope to drink beer with you all soon.
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The Plan :-)
In 2016, my beautiful wife Janey was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a mastectomy and reconstruction and we were all set to get on with our lives. Then, in 2017 we got the worst news ever. The cancer was back and this time is was incurable. Two years later and my incredible wife is still fighting on, but we know we don't have much time left. Janey has now been referred to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice to help her manage her symptoms. They will be with us now until she leaves us.
Those of you who know the hospice will already be aware of the incredible work they do looking after people with terminal illness. This isn't just end of life care; it starts a long time before then.
They rely on £20,000 a day in donations and fundraising to keep the lights on and they need our help.
I will be using 2020 to raise as much money for the hospice as I can. Of course, the ultimate challenge will be to climb to the top (and back down, hopefully) of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa this September. But before then I will be taking part in 14 other challenges between April and September. That's more than 2 a month!
Please help me to raise as much money as possible for this incredible charity.