BOATER James Kinsey is embarking on an incredible challenge this October by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity Meningitis Now. His 18-month-old son, Ralph, battled meningitis at just 12 weeks of age but it won’t be known if there have been any lasting effects until he is older. Colleagues at Rolls-Royce are proudly sponsoring James, who lives aboard his boat at Mercia Marina in Derbyshire.
He said: “With poor Ralph being hit by this killer illness at such a young age I wanted to do something as challenging as possible to raise the maximum amount of funds and awareness for Meningitis Now. I have been using my home, Mercia Marina, as my training ground, doing several laps of the marina a day with a 20kg vest on and in all my gear. I am determined to reach my target for my son Ralph and others like him, and I am sure I will with the support of the terrific community here at Mercia. Supporters can view my progress on my channel and of course, donate via my Just Giving page – James’s Kilimanjaro Climb For Meningitis Now.”
The climb will take place between Friday, October 18 and Sunday, October 27. At 5895m, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is six times higher than Snowdon. James will be trekking for up to 15 hours a day, battling the altitude and experiencing nightly temperatures in his tent of minus 15 degrees! It will take more than a week to complete the ascent and the summit night climb – with its 1000m ascent and 2000m descent – is not to be underestimated. Meningitis Now is a pioneering force in the fight against meningitis, having invested more than £12.7 million in early-stage research and playing a crucial role in introducing life-saving vaccines. Its aftercare services provide invaluable support to those affected by meningitis, making a real difference in their recovery journey – services that James believes are so very important.
