IT may be a well-travelled fundraising adventure these days, but that shouldn’t diminish the challenge ahead of friends Hayley Phillips and Bernie Dempsey, the latest Manx contingent to tackle the imposing slopes of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.
The giant 5,895 peak is Africa’s largest free-standing mountain, and dwarfs our own Snaefell, which clocks in at an altogether more modest 610 metres.
There’s another mountain to climb before Hayley and Bernie touch down in Tanzania though, as more than a year’s worth of fundraising for the island’s children’s hospice kicks of with a charity quiz at Douglas bar The Outback next Monday (April 29).
There are less daunting ways to raise money for charity, but Hayley, 27, of Colby, and Bernie, 28, of Douglas, said the timing felt like ‘now or never’ to take on Kilimanjaro.
‘We’re going October next year, but we are starting fundraising for Rebecca House this year,’ said Hayley. ‘We have a close friend with a daughter who goes to Rebecca House, we believe the work they do is inspirational.’
She added: ‘They are a strong support network for the families during both day to day and difficult times. We could not think of a better cause to support.’
Trekking to the summit, more than 19,000ft above sea level, will take place over seven days. Temperatures at altitude, even in equatorial Africa, will drop well below freezing.
‘We will face several challenges on a daily basis – namely sharing a tent with each other – but more seriously the likes of altitude sickness and long days, the summit day alone being 14 hours of trekking,’ said Hayley, who has taken to regular running and swimming.
‘We have been out for a few training walks, we’ll probably go away too and do some training,’ she added. ‘Bernie does absolutely loads of walking anyway, but our first big walk will be on Saturday.’
Monday’s quiz will be hosted by Douglas mayor David Ashford.
Starting at 7pm, it costs £5 to enter, which includes food provided by the Outback – where Bernie works part time – so all money goes directly to charity. Aside from the quiz, there will be some good raffle prizes on offer.
‘Local businesses have been absolutely amazing. Sure gave a mobile phone. Regency Travel and the Glen Helen Inn have donated overnight stays at the hotel,’ explained Hayley.
For tickets call Hayley on 365040 or Bernie on 348812, or sponsor them online at www.justgiving.com/Hayley-PhillipsBernie-Dempsey