From Marina to Mountain
MERCIA Marina boater James Kinsey is embarking on an incredible challenge this October by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
This to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity Meningitis Now, prompted by James' son, Ralph, who battled meningitis at 12 weeks old.
Only 18 months old
James won’t be sure if there have been any lasting effects from the often fatal illness until Ralph is older as he is only 18 months old now. James’ colleagues at Rolls-Royce are proudly sponsoring James who lives aboard his boat at the marina.
Meningitis Now is a pioneering force in the fight against meningitis, having invested over £12.7m in early-stage research and playing a crucial role in introducing life-saving vaccines. Their aftercare services provide invaluable support to those affected by meningitis, making a real difference in their recovery journey. It’s this aftercare service that James holds as so very important.
The climb will take place on Friday 18th October to Sunday 27th October 2024. At a colossal 5,895m, Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes to ever break through the earth’s crust. James is looking down the barrel of trekking for up 15 hours a day, battling the altitude up to the summit that’s six times higher than Snowdon, and experiencing nightly temperature in his tent of -15 degrees!
Will take over a week
Climbing Kilimanjaro is equivalent to more than 40 laps around Mercia Marina and it will take over a week to complete the ascent. The summit night climb—with its 1,000m ascent and 2,000m descent is not to be underestimated, with James Kinsey remarking:
"With poor Ralph being hit by this killer illness at such a young age I wanted to do something as challenging as possible to raise the maximum amount of funds and awareness for Meningitis Now. I have been using my home, Mercia Marina, as my training ground, doing several laps of the marina a day with a 20kg vest on and in all my gear. I am determined to reach my target for my son Ralph and others like him, and I am sure I will with the support of the terrific community here at Mercia.
"Supporters can view my progress on my channel and of course donate via my Just Giving page—James's Kilimanjaro Climb For Meningitis Now”
https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-kinsey-1708879355144?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fjames-kinsey-1708879355144&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share