A group of five men from Torbay are preparing to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise vital funds for Rowcroft Hospice.
Richard Scagell, Stephen Bearne and Grant Churchward from Paignton, with Brian Ellingworth and son Harry Ellingworth from Torquay, set off this month and will spend a week ascending to the summit of the highest freestanding mountain in the world.
Richard Scagell, who works as a Driver for Rowcroft’s retail department, said: “I have a very adventurous spirit and I am always looking for new challenges to complete. Having worked at Rowcroft Hospice for the past three years, I have witnessed at first hand the quality care and compassion given to the patients and their families by all who work and volunteer there.
“These services do not come without cost and are almost entirely funded through fundraising, so I thought Rowcroft would be an ideal recipient of any funds that I might raise. I am completely self-funding the trip, so every penny I raise will go directly to Rowcroft.”
Meanwhile Brian Ellingworth said a quote from world-renowned climber George Mallory had inspired him to take on the challenge.
Brian said: “George Mallory was once asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest and his response was ‘because it’s there!’ Life is about personal challenges and I have always lived by this quote. While I’m climbing Kilimanjaro I want to do some good by raising money for Rowcroft.”
Described as ‘the mightiest of charity challenges’ the trek up Kilimanjaro will take the five through dense tropical rainforest, moorland and scree before reaching Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point.
Community Fundraising Manager for Rowcroft Hospice, Hayley Norrish, wishes all five fundraisers the best with their epic adventure: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Richard, Stephen, Grant, Brian and Harry for their incredible support of Rowcroft Hospice.
“Every pound they raise by taking on this incredible challenge will help local people facing life-limiting illnesses to make the most of every moment with family and friends, we are so grateful for their support – thank you.”
Rowcroft has a number of adventurous fundraising opportunities to offer supporters, including a six-day trek across the Sahara Desert, bike ride from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas or hike to the top of Scotland’s Ben Nevis.
The extreme fundraising challenges are being offered as part of Rowcroft’s emergency fundraising appeal, which aims to raise an extra £585,000 over the next 12 months following the announcement the hospice is facing a drastic funding shortfall.
Rowcroft’s Fundraising Manager, Rachael Bryett, explained: “There are many ways you can support Rowcroft to help us reach our urgent £585,000 fundraising target, from making a monthly donation or playing our weekly lottery.
“Signing up to jump out of a plane or trek to the top of a mountain is an adrenalin-fuelled option and will hopefully give you the opportunity to do something amazing for local people who need your help, while making memories to last you a lifetime!”
Rowcroft is holding an information evening about its portfolio of fundraising challenges on Tuesday 25 October at Rowcroft’s Rainbow House in Torquay. To register your interest in attending the evening, contact Hayley Norrish by calling 01803 210835 or visit http://www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/supporting-rowcroft/events/extreme-events/challenge-information-evening.
For more information about Rowcroft’s emergency fundraising appeal, visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/appeal.
