Jacob the Pilot to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for Fund

This October 12-year-old fundraiser Jacob Newson will climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Jacob, known as ‘Jacob the Pilot’, is currently training for the challenge of climbing the 5,895-metre peak in Tanzania. He hopes to reach the summit on 31 October, celebrating his 13th birthday on the highest mountain in Africa.

The challenge will see Jacob and his dad, Andrew Newson, spend eight days trekking to the summit, where temperatures can drop as low as -20°C.

To prepare for the climb, Jacob has been training extensively, including trekking in the Lake District, completing Ben Nevis, and taking part in 35 Parkruns, covering a total distance of 175km.

Jacob said: “I am hoping to join the Air Cadets once I turn 13, and I want to celebrate my birthday on the roof of Africa.”

The expedition will also be a new challenge for both Jacob and Andrew, as the highest altitude they have reached together so far is 4,200 metres.

Andrew, who will be joining Jacob on the climb, said: “The Fund and the whole RAF Family have been incredibly kind to Jacob, especially since he lost his mum to cancer. Not only have they helped nurture and strengthen his love of all things aviation, but they have also given him some incredible opportunities that we will never be able to thank them enough for. This is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported Jacob through some of the toughest times in his life.”

Jacob is looking forward to joining the RAF Air Cadets in September before he turns 13 and is particularly excited about the opportunities to fly, take on new adventures, develop new skills and meet like-minded people.
Jacob has raised over £14,300 with his fundraiser so far. You can support Jacob and Andrew on their challenge with donations via JustGiving.