Delayed mountain trek underway

Friday 28 October 2022

A team of trekkers left Guernsey yesterday heading for Mount Kilimanjaro to complete the climb of a lifetime more than two years later than planned.

They will climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in support of ActionAid Guernsey and have already raised tens of thousands of pounds for a life-changing project in the East African country.

Kilimanjaro is the world's highest free-standing mountain above sea level. 

It will take the team seven days to climb and they expect to reach the summit at nearly 6,000 metres a week today - Friday 4 November.

Pictured: Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, is the highest mountain in Africa. 

Natalie Tucker, Chair of ActionAid Guernsey, who is one of the trekkers who left Guernsey yesterday, said the team was relieved and delighted finally to be on the way to its climb in Africa.

"We're so grateful to our team for their fundraising efforts and to everyone who has donated," said Ms Tucker.

"Their efforts have already made a massive life-changing difference to the communities supported by our project.

"We wish everyone the best of luck on the trek."

Pictured: It is estimated that around 40% of girls and women in Zanzibar are victims of sexual abuse and violence based on their sex.

The covid-hit trek was originally meant to take place in June 2020. 

The trekkers have already raised more than £70,000 through private donations and support from the States' Overseas Aid & Development Commission. 

Their project in Tanzania has helped to address violence against women and girls in Tanzania.

It has been so successful that it led to the government of Zanzibar - an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania - introducing a law to protect and bring justice to victims of gender-based violence.

Any final donations to the project in Tanzania can be made by clicking HERE.