Team of RAF personnel take on Mount Kilimanjaro fundraiser

On 3 July, a team of four RAF personnel will climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The team comprising of three personnel from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, and one serviceman from RAF Marham, Norfolk, will take on the climb of Africa’s highest peak at 5,895m altitude. 

AS1 Rowan Martin, who is team captain of the challenge, said: “Following my team’s successful ascent to Everest Base Camp (5,346m) which raised more than £3,000 and wide scale publicity – we also set the Fund flag’s land altitude record. This year I am taking a larger team to the next level to break the flag’s altitude record, whilst raising more funds and awareness in the process.

“Our climb of Mount Kilimanjaro is from base camp to the summit, at higher altitude, a faster ascent and expected to be achieved and return to base camp within nine days.”

He continued: “I am most looking forward to the midnight summit push. This will involve waking up on two-three hours sleep in subzero temperatures to make a final eight-hour push to the summit whilst battling the brutal effects of extreme altitude.

“The effort and determination to make it through the final stage will all be worth the feeling of flying the flag at the rooftop of Africa, breaking the current record, and retaining our title as highest land altitude with the flag.”

Rowan added: “I take great pride in raising funds and awareness for the Fund, a charity who looks after our own during times of need. Our fundraising heavily depends on the generosity of supporters and each of us are extremely grateful to all of those who donate. Even £1 will make a difference.”

The team have raised over £1,800 for the Fund so far. You can donate to the team’s fundraiser on JustGiving.

With special thanks to the team’s sponsors: Joshua Flower Export, Companion Academy and Black Horse Taunton.