In June 2025, I will be taking on one of the biggest challenges in my life, climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro. I’m doing this in support of my lifelong friend Chris Collins, who in 2020 suffered two strokes due to his long term condition rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 48.

Fortunately, Chris made a good recovery from his strokes due to the fantastic support he received from the stroke association. So I would like to raise money for this charity in support of Chris.

I met Chris in 1987 when he became my apprentice in the plumbing trade. Since then our friendship has blossomed and Chris is even the godfather to my second child. Over recent years, as Chris’s condition has worsened, I have watched him have to adapt his life and yet continue to stay positive. This has inspired me to take on this challenge with Chris’s positivity and belief.

There are 1.3million stroke survivors in the UK who rely on the support of the stroke association.

Kilimanjaro will consist of 8 days of 6-8 hours of trekking up to the 5985m summit. This will include arising before dawn and trekking through the night on summit day.

This a self funded trip so all money raised will go directly to the chosen charity.

Please dig deep in your pockets to support this charity, we never know who might need their support next.