Hikers scale new heights for local hospice care

A team from Garden House Hospice Care has scaled the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, raising thousands of pounds.

The team of Farah Thompson, Katie Harbon, Chris Whybrow and Richard Harbon teamed up with a group from Isabel Hospice in Welwyn Garden City to scale the mountain (5,895 metres). In doing so they raised more than £26,000.

Every member of the team reached the summit, overcoming challenges such as high altitude, the Barranco Wall and a range of terrain from rainforest to desert. The trekkers were supported during the seven-day trek by a team of local Tanzanian porters and guides who were amazing in the support they gave, including sourcing all the water for the trek from local rivers on the mountain.

Farah said, "I found the trip completely unique and a roller coaster of emotions that included: challenge and triumph, difficulty and joy, laughter and lack of sleep, gratitude and tears, personal determination and team effort. I loved the opportunity to experience all the environments that Kilimanjaro had to offer along the route and just being in such a special place."

Chris explained, "It was by far the toughest physical challenge I have undertaken but it was equally the most rewarding I have completed. I was able to share this experience with a wonderful group of people who came together to support two fantastic charities."

Richard Harbon, Products and Events Manager at the Hospice, added, "The whole trip was a great experience and it was just brilliant to complete it with my daughter, Katie, too. She expressed it perfectly by saying it was one of the hardest but most enjoyable things she has ever done. A huge thank you to everyone who supported us and I can assure you that all the fundraising will make a huge difference, allowing the hospice to continue providing free specialist palliative care and support to those who require it in our community."