A group of women is to take on a seven-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Warrington Youth Zone and as a tribute to the late Nick Hopkinson, High Sheriff of Cheshire.
Mr Hopkinson – better known as “Hoppy” – was formerly chairman of Warrington Youth Club. He was originally to have led the expedition, but died tragically in September.
It would have been the ninth time he had climbed the mountain.
Among those who will scale the peak next month will be Clare Roberts, chief executive of Lymm-based Kids Planet Day Nurseries and Lizzie Clarke, marketing manager at “The Coffee House”, Warrington.
It had originally been intended to climb the mountain back in December 2019, but it had to be delayed because of COVID 19 and has been postponed three times.
The group is now more determined than ever to succeed in conquering Mount Kilimanjaro in Mr Hopkinson’s honour.
Clare said: “With not long to go, and in all honesty, perhaps not fully aware of what I’m letting myself in for, I’m pleased that the group is continuing our summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Whilst honouring Nick’s memory, we are raising money for a cause that he was incredibly passionate about.
“The Warrington Youth centre will change the lives of so many, open every day of the year for young people from all backgrounds, offering somewhere safe for them to go and space to develop their emotional and physical well being.
“The whole team is truly grateful for the support so far, and I’m very excited to be finally embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
The climb works out at 128,263 steps to reach the top, and staff and children in the Kids Planet group of 99 nurseries are all rallying together to help Clare and the team reach their fundraising targets, with this figure in mind.
Head office staff in Lymm recently took part in a sponsored “Welly Walk”’ in Lymm, with a target of 128,263 steps, but actually reaching more than 200,000 steps.
Not only that, many of the nurseries are getting creative and active in various challenges to raise money for the cause – in a bid to stack up steps with activities of their choice and learning all about exploring and keeping active in the process.
Clare is hoping to raise £2,000 out of the £50,000 target. Anyone who would like to donate, should visit the Just Giving page: https://lnkd.in/deT7cJ9Q
The late Nick Hopkinson MBE
