St Helena - Kilimanjaro Trek December 2021 Update

This month (December), Mike Deed and daughter Lizzie should have been packing their bags ready to head off on a charity trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, raising funds for St Helena Hospice in Colchester.

The pair were due to leave on Boxing Day but event organisers have said the trip is to be postponed for the second time running.

“Of course we are disappointed, but we fully appreciate that a combination of factors, COVID as well as an ongoing civil war in Ethiopia, where we were due to transit through en route to Tanzania, has meant it just isn’t possible right now,” said Mike.

“We are keeping everything crossed that we will be able to undertake this amazing trip in 2022 and in the meantime, we will continue to work towards our target of raising £15,000 for the Hospice, which does such an amazing job in helping families in need.”

The Hospice has a special place in the family’s hearts as it cared for Doris Stringer, mother of Mike’s wife Karen, after she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Lizzie now works at the Hospice as Supporter Engagement Fundraiser and Geoquip regular supports the charity’s work through a combination of activities during the year.

The charity trek would have seen Mike and Lizzie spend five days climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro, which at 19,340 feet (5,895 metres) high is Africa’s tallest mountain, and a further two days on the return walk down.

They now plan to keep going with their training programme so they will be ready to go as soon as a new date is announced.

To find out how to help Mike and Lizzie reach their fundraising target, please visit: https://doris-stringer-1930-2015.muchloved.com/fundraising/events/194105719

Thank you.

About St Helena

St Helena helps local people face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them and their families, friends and carers.

They also support children and adults who are facing bereavement.

St Helena reach out to members of the community, helping them make their own choices and live with dignity. By focusing on their physical, emotional and spiritual needs, they aim to bring comfort and relief to all those who need it, offering the people of North Essex individual care and total support, regardless of their diagnosis or personal circumstances.

For more information, please visit the St Helena Hospice website: https://www.sthelena.org.uk/