From Retirement to the Roof of Africa: My Kili Challenge

They say retirement is for slowing down, but I've decided to start this new chapter in my life at 5895 metres. On September 17th, 2026, I'll be trading my newfound free time for the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

A Family Tradition

This isn't just a solo mission; I’m doing this with my son Ben. In 2024, he took on a challenge to sail in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race with his father and this year it's my turn to share an adventure.

As someone who has never been much of a walker, this is a massive leap into the unknown I am starting this journey from scratch. Every training walk, every blister and every mile in the wind and rain is an uphill struggle. It's all a bit daunting, but I couldn't ask for a better teammate to lead the way.

Why Seeds for Change?

I am raising funds for Seeds for Change, a charity that works directly on the ground in Malawi and Uganda to transform the lives of vulnerable children.

The money raised will go towards life-changing projects in East Africa, such as:

• Education: Providing school uniforms and supplies to children in remote villages who otherwise wouldn't attend school

• Safe Housing: Building and improving orphanages and dormitories so children no longer have to sleep on dusty floors

• Nutrition: Funding school meals to ensure children receive at least one hot nutritious meal every day

It feels only right to be taking on this challenge in East Africa, just across the border from the very communities Seeds for Change works so hard to support. By supporting me, you are directly supporting these communities in Africa.

100% to Charity

To ensure your support goes as far as possible, I am entirely self-funding this trek. I have paid for all my own flights, gear and trek costs with Action Challenge. This means that 100% of your donation goes directly to the charity's projects.

How You Can Help

Whether it's the cost of a coffee or a larger contribution, every penny will help keep me moving when the summit feels a world away. I'm nervous, excited and if I'm honest a little bit terrified, but I'm determined to show my sons Ben and Joe (and myself!) that retirement isn't the end but the start of a new adventure.

Thank you for your support 😊