Bernard Matthews duo take on Kilimanjaro challenge

Duncan Marsh, general manager of Bernard Matthews Foodservice and national account manager, Chris Walkden, embarked on a six day Kilimanjaro challenge, raising almost £4,000 for their chosen local charities.

Marsh took on the challenge in aid of The Heart of Kent Hospice and Walkden chose to support Ty Hafan Family Hospice for Young Lives. Both of these rely on charitable donations to continue to operate.

Marsh commented on the trek: "On day four we set off from Horombo camp at 13,500ft at 8am to get to Kibo camp at 15,500ft for around 1pm. It's only when you're that close to the summit that you get an appreciation of the climb ahead.

"We then set off for the summit climb at around midnight, for what can only be described as an energy-sapping, lung-busting, motivation-draining five-hour climb up to the crater rim! After an hour's walk through snow and ice around the rim, we made the final 30-minute push up to the Uhuru summit.

"We arrived at the summit at around 6am, then soon realised that 'what goes up, must come down'! But having made it to the top, we were literally on a high, which made the trek down much quicker – especially for Chris, who descended 'Bear Grylls style'!

"Not only were the views amazing, but the sense of achievement we felt when we reached the summit made it all worthwhile. It was a truly once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget and to raise vital funds to help our charities made the challenge even more special."

Words: Maria Bracken

« Back to previous page