Climbing Kilimanjaro August 2024

Aim

To raise money for the Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted, where my brother, Mick, spent his final weeks.

Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted

When my brother, Mick, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis) seven years ago, we were shocked but remained hopeful that he would recover and live a normal life. In many ways, he did: he married Emily and they were blessed with Bertie and Elsie. During this time, he battled his way through several surgeries and eventually returned to work as Director of Music at St Albans School, a post he held for 17 years. However, earlier this year, scans indicated that the cancer had returned and spread to his brain. I was present at Watford General Hospital in February when he and Emily received the news that it was time to consider palliative care. Although this terrified me, Mick stoically fought on and was relocated to the stunningly beautiful grounds of the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted. Sadly, he passed away on 23rd April at the age of 45.

I think Emily would agree that Mick could not have received better treatment and care. His family were able to visit whenever they wanted. The Hospice allowed us to stage a memorable Easter egg hunt for the children. Every day, friends arrived from far and wide, bringing love and warmth. Memories were made for Mick and Emily, including a remarkable gathering of musicians who performed a private rock concert, dubbed "Woodstout," in the Hospice itself. We cannot thank the NHS, the private donors and the staff of the Hospice enough for granting these opportunities, not to mention the five star food that he enjoyed.

Kilimanjaro Ascent: Lemosho Route (19,341 ft / 5,895 m)

In four weeks, I will begin the ascent of Kilimanjaro with my pal, Adrian Eröd, who has been encouraging me to take on this challenge ever since we were both driven mad working on André Tchaikowsky's "The Merchant of Venice" at the Bregenz Festival in 2013. 

Kilimanjaro has never been on my bucket list, nor have any other high altitude, physically demanding challenges. If it had been, I would have jumped at the opportunity when my parents lived in Arusha, at the foot of the volcano itself. 

I have four weeks in which to push my body clock back twenty years and find a physical fitness that will enable me to cope with subzero conditions and 40% of the oxygen I enjoy at sea level. In preparation, I will run between 5km and 10km every day, pushing my VO2max higher than ever before (and hopefully losing 3kg in the process). 

Every arduous step of the ascent will be a reflection of what Mick endured; every rest stop, a consideration of what he achieved; and, God-willing, the summit, the joy he brought to so many.

This project successfully funded on 31st July 2024