Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2025

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres (19, 340 feet) and is one of the world’s top seven summits. Temperature is a pleasant 23 degrees Celsius at the base and a chilling -17 at its peak. With those amazing facts to ponder, why would anyone set themselves the daring challenge of climbing it? February 2025 sees me (Geraldine Mullan), and a dear friend (Katie Fitzpatrick) take this on. And here is why ….

For myself, it is a very personal challenge and one close to my heart. In August 2020, a car accident claimed the lives of my beloved husband John (aged 49 and 2 weeks shy of his 50th birthday), my beautiful son Tomás (aged 14) and my little ray of sunshine and gorgeous daughter Amelia (aged 6). What started as a beautiful family day out ended in unimaginable tragedy. My life changed in that instant, and every day since has been a struggle as I come to terms with losing the three most important people in my life. They were all taken in their prime and so in essence I am now living for the four of us. My mantra is to cherish every moment and never lose hope. A lot of my time is devoted to charity work through The Mullan Hope Centre that I set up in their memory. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of working with Richard Moore and his Children in Crossfire (https://www.childrenincrossfire.org/) charity organisation. Tomás should have been celebrating his 18th birthday in April this year. We organised a 5km fun run/walk in his memory and for Richard’s charity, specifically a project in Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, Africa. Over 9,000 Euro was raised on the day. It was during the event that I heard the charity was bringing out a group to climb Kilimanjaro and visit the project from February 15th to 28th 2025. I immediately wanted to be a part of it and see firsthand the impact of our fundraising in Dar Es Salaam and the amazing work that Children in Crossfire do. The timing is also significant as the trip concludes one day before I turn fifty. John never got to celebrate his 50th birthday - I still have some of his unopened birthday presents (from myself and the kids) in our house. Turning this milestone age will be a mixture of emotions for me but what better way to mark it - in honour of my family and raise more funds for the worthy charity. My cherished memories of John, Tomás and Amelia will carry me step by step up Kilimanjaro, just like they have carried me every day since August 2020. I would therefore be incredibly grateful for your generosity in helping Katie and I reach our fundraising target of 14,000 Euro (7,000 each) required for the expedition. Any donation will be very much appreciated by us, and we will keep you updated on the experience (the ultimate report being a photo of us on the summit !!). The picture enclosed was taken a couple of weeks ago on one of our training hikes in the wonderful Gortin Glen. We have many more hikes to do between now and February 2025 to get us prepared.

Go raibh mile maith agat

Geraldine Mullan

I am proud to have known the Mullan's as a family, as a friend, and as Amelia’s Pre-School teacher.

Little Stars Pre-School has supported and followed Early Years projects in Tanzania through Children in Crossfire since we opened, valuing childrens’ rights.

Children have the right to play.

We massively appreciate any donations to help us as partners on this personal challenge, fundraising goal and exchange of knowledge and skills to enable our little ones to live life to the full.

Thank you

Katie