Karl conquers Kilimanjaro for charity

KARL Williamson has raised more than £4,000 for Warrington’s St Rocco’s Hospice by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in honour of his mum.
Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain, standing at a whopping 5,895 metres above sea level, and Karl has been training for most of 2014, traveling to Snowdonia for tough physical and mental endurance training.
To raise sponsorship Karl has hosted a number of fundraising events over the past year including a comedy night last November and the Sportsman’s Dinner in May.
He said: “I wanted to do something for charity to honour my mum who sadly passed away in 2009. I wanted to make her proud but never knew how until I saw a video of this trek.
“I chose St. Rocco’s because a lot of friends and family have had to lean on them at difficult times over the years.
“After being diagnosed with cancer my nan spent her final weeks at St. Rocco’s – the staff do a fantastic job not only with patients but also with the support for families. I think it’s time I finally gave something back.
“Reaching the top after 5 days and watching the sunrise was truly inspiring. It’s one of those feelings that you can’t explain.”
To say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed towards Karl’s sponsorship, he will be holding a final ‘Thank You’ fundraising evening this autumn. The evening will include music, dancing and food to celebrate Karl’s amazing achievement.
For more details of the night, or to sponsor Karl, visit www.justgiving.com/Karl-Williamson.