By Jonathan White
Philip Guest from Barthomeley has successfully conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and raised hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity.
Philip is retired and trained with South Cheshire Ramblers by increasing his walking distances over a three-month period including climbing Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
He set out on his challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on 22nd June and reached the summit on 28th June. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the ascent and descent took him eight days in total.
Kilimanjaro is a succession of climate zones with rainforest giving way to heath, boulder fields and high desert before the final pumice-covered stage of the climb.
Philip was in a group of thirteen, with himself and eleven others making the summit. Members of the group were school and business friends including two from Estonia, two from Australia, and two from Venezuela (currently living in Spain).
The trek was organised by Phil Keogh from Crewe, who is a member of South Cheshire Ramblers.
Phil had already successfully ascended Mount Kilimanjaro a decade before but had suffered badly from headaches and repeated the feat when better prepared.
Philip self-funded his trip and raised £600, which will enable Cancer Research UK to continue with their ground-breaking work.
His partner is Secretary of the Crewe & Nantwich Cancer Research UK Group, so he sees how important it is to support Cancer Research UK.
Cancer Research UK are the world’s largest charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Their vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
Philip gave a detailed account of his epic trek at a talk, organised by the Crewe & Nantwich Cancer Research UK Group, at Wistaston Memorial Hall, on Church Lane in Wistaston, in October.
Philip said
I believe that almost anyone approaching 80 years of age can climb Kilimanjaro, as long as they go with an expert company with experienced mountain guides, who can provide the help and guidance needed to overcome the cold and height of the mountain.
Reaching the summit was a great experience but the descent over two days was the most challenging part of the journey.
For further information relating to the Crewe & Nantwich Cancer Research UK Group please visit: Crewe & Nantwich Cancer Research UK Group
