The expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro charity climb has raised over £100,000 for a UK anti-bullying charity. The fundraiser, which saw more than 30 climbers conquer Africa’s highest peak in early February, supports Coram Kidscape, an organisation dedicated to combating bullying and protecting vulnerable children.
Celebrity climbers conquer 5,895-metre peak for vulnerable youth
According to The Argus News, organizers and supporters gathered at Everflyht Vineyard in Ditchling, West Sussex, to celebrate the remarkable achievement. The climb, was delivered in partnership with Uncharted Summits and aimed to spotlight the profound, life-altering effects of bullying.
Lucy Black, founder of Sussex-based consultancy Bright Cause, hailed the initiative as a testament to collective action. She explained that the campaign shows what is possible when the right people come together around a cause that truly matters.
“From Sussex to the summit of Kilimanjaro, this has been a collective effort driven by purpose. Raising over £100,000 for Kidscape is something everyone involved should be immensely proud of,” she said.
Participants ascended 5,895 metres to Uhuru Peak, braving extreme altitude, freezing night temperatures, and overwhelming fatigue. Among the climbers were celebrity supporters, including television presenter Anthea Turner, celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, and actor Daniel Lustig.
At the Ditchling celebration, attendees heard firsthand accounts from team members about the physical and emotional toll of the trek. Guests also received a preview of the forthcoming feature documentary The Roof of Africa: Bullied – The Mountain We Face, which chronicles the group’s arduous journey to the summit.
Ditchling celebration honours Mount Kilimanjaro charity climb
The event also honoured standout climbers with special awards. Cerri McDonald received the Uhuru Spirit Award for her determination.
Additionally, Christopher Tipping claimed the ‘Pole Pole’ Award for embracing the slow and steady pace required at high altitude. Tracey Harris won the Layer Cake Award for her strategic clothing choices, and Paul Brogden was named Best Morale Booster for keeping spirits high.
Similarly, Ollie Keuhne earned the Overpacker Award, and Simon Woodjetts received the ‘Still Smiling Somehow’ Award for his relentless positivity.
Rosee Elliott, 75, the oldest member of the team, earned the affectionate title ‘Mama Simba’ in recognition of her strength and leadership throughout the expedition.
Meanwhile, funds raised will bolster Coram Kidscape’s vital work, including providing practical advice, specialist support. It will also provide training to children, families, and schools across the United Kingdom.
In a recent development, the Lau Education Charitable Trust (LECT) now supports about 96 schools across 73 villages and 22 islands in the Lau Group. The LECT Fiji school support is in its fifth year.
Similarly, leading charities are helping the homeless focus on several key interventions. These include offering temporary shelter, food assistance, medical care, and employment support.