On 14th February 2019, a group of 6 friends including Emma and Nigel  will all put on their hiking gear, transform into intrepid adventurers and attempt to climb the highest free standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro.  

This page is for Emma and Nigel who are all fundraising for Macmillan. Emma, at just 19 years old, will join a very small group of teenagers who have attempted this significant climb. It is no small task and will require a massive effort to get to the summit. Nigel's knees are also well past their sell-by date so all in all this is going to be some challenge!  

The summit of Kilimanjaro stands at 19,341 feet above sea level. We will typically experience temperature variations of over 50 degrees celsius - from +35 degrees centigrade at the bottom of the mountain falling to as low as minus 20 at the top - sometimes colder. It will rain, heavily, it will snow, it'll be freezing cold for the most part and if that isnt bad enough the oxygen levels will fall from a normal 21 per cent of air at the bottom of the mountain to just 9% of air at the summit - the latter being just above the recognised death-zone level of 8%. It is no small task. 

Led by Uhuru Expeditions and taking the scenic Lemosho route up the mountain, our 42.3 mile six day mile ascent and two day descent will take us through humid rain forest, through arid alpine desert plains, across the unique Giant Groundsel tree forest, up the seemingly impossible-to-climb 500m vertical but stunning Barranco Wall and on to the ice cap and then finally the ultra-challenging "through the night" and walking non-stop for 15 hours summit. 

Emma and Nigel are raising money for Macmillan to pay for as much of a Macmillan Nurse as we can. Many of our group have been touched by friends and relatives who have experienced the incredible care that these nurses give to their cancer suffering patients and this is our way of giving a little back. 

So thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Fundraising is hugely important to Macmillan. Without people doing events like this, Macmillan wouldn’t exist. Anything you can spare is greatly appreciated. 

Thanks very much. Emma and Nigel Payne