We are incredibly proud to have been able to sponsor Dawn Phillips, our Finance Director, and her friend Tina Cross to raise funds for Maggie’s Cambridge. It’s a privilege to be able to give something back to our local community and to a charity that is close to our hearts.
Initially both Dawn and Tina planned to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, however, Dawn has had to curb her frustration in not being able to participate due to her own treatment dates clashing with their trip. Dawn has been behind the fundraising effort here in the UK and we’ve been following Tina’s progress with regular updates over on our Facebook page here, Twitter, and LinkedIn. On her return, Tina gave us this report:
“Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro was the ultimate privilege for me. It is not everyone’s idea of a pampering experience, there is no doubt about it, it’s hard work, dusty, lacking in luxury and swimming pools. The privilege is for one week the climber becomes part of the mountain. You cannot help but be engrossed in the diverse and spectacular scenery – like nothing you can see anywhere else.
“It’s not everywhere that you can stand and look at the peak of another almost 5,000m high volcano above the clouds; marvel at the beauty of the glaciers in Africa and see the sun rising from the top of a continent. It’s not only the scenery, it’s also the friendship, support, dedication and knowledge that you experience from the mountain team, many of whom have experienced what I did well over 100 times, but do not take it’s wonder for granted. Thank you, Team Kilimanjaro, for a second amazing trip.
“Then there is also the privilege that is the other climbers, also experiencing this ‘once (or twice in my case) in a lifetime event’. The sharing of the adventure, stories, pain and achievement. You meet people from all over the globe, all with the same ambition.
“There was the privilege for me of knowing the support that I had back in the UK from my friends and family, and most importantly from Dawn. I was living the dream for both of us, and I knew how much it hurt Dawn not to be able to be there with me. I made sure that I enjoyed all parts of the trip, even those that I had found tough the year before, because I was privileged to be there.
“Finally, it was an honour for me to raise money for Maggie’s, and I sincerely thank all of our friends and family who donated money to the cause (and yes there is still time if anybody would still like to)!”
Maggie’s Cambridge are the Cancer Care Specialists offering practical, emotional and social support. Dawn says: “Everyone knows someone who is suffering with the disease and we’re in a position to help our local Maggie’s Community. Fighting cancer is a battle which takes courage, strength and the support of good friends and family. We recognise the incredible work Maggie’s Centres do and are grateful for their care.” Their JustGiving page is still open – they still have a way to go to achieve their target of £2,000 so any help you can give now will be very much appreciated.
