Edmund Greaves
Climbing Kilimanjaro for Cristina
Fundraising for Marie Curie
Story
13 February 2024 will be the 10th anniversary of losing my mum Cristina to breast cancer. She was just 59 years old.
Those who knew my mum will remember her passion for Africa having grown up in Cape Town, South Africa.
One of Cristina's bucket list items she never got to achieve was to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa - standing at 5,895 metres at the Uhuru summit.
I intend to climb Kilimanjaro to complete my mum's goal, honour her memory and mark a decade since her passing.
Those of you who know me know I'm not the fittest guy. Climbing Kilimanjaro has the added benefit as I enter the middle of my third decade to think harder about my own health and forcing me to work to improve my fitness.
I've already begun that journey with the support of my wonderful wife Ellyn, and enthusiastic labrador Atlas.
Fortunately I've got a rag-tag bunch of friends - Bir, Jack, James, Jonny, and Matt - who have pledged to climb to the top with me.
It's going to be hard, but I'm going to make it to the top for Cristina.
Why Marie Curie?
Breast cancer and many other types of cancer take loved ones from us far too soon. During my mum's illness she was cared for by Marie Curie nurses who provided free overnight care at the worst points of her illness.
My wife, who never had the chance to meet my mum, is also a nurse, making Marie Cure feel all the more special a charity for me to support. I am incredibly proud of her and all of her colleagues who work tirelessly to care for those in the most need.
100% of the money raised will go to Marie Curie. The charity doesn't just help care for cancer sufferers, it looks after anyone terminally ill at one of the most distressing times for families. Just £20 will provide one hour of vital nurse care for a terminally ill patient.
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/
Climbing Kilimanjaro
After thorough research we've opted to use award-winning Kilimanjaro trek experts Zara Tours.
We're going to be taking the seven day Machame route - the so called Whisky Route. The Machame route is more difficult physical challenge than the classic Marangu route (called the Pepsi Route), but allows for two days high-altitude acclimatisation and therefore gives climbers a higher chance of summiting success.
Zara Tours is a local Tanzanian firm which was important to us as all of the money we spend goes to locals and improving their livelihoods.
Zara Tours is associated with the eponymous Zara Charity, a non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable tourism and giving back to local communities.
Zara Charity is also partnered with the Kilimanjaro Porters Society, an organisation key to protecting the welfare of Kilimanjaro porters and their families, who provide the essential services that help climbers reach the summit.
For more information about the firm, please visit: