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Fundraising above the clouds

Emma Mountford
18/ 8/2005

A LOCAL adventurer has just completed a mountainous task to help raise more than £70,000 for charity.

David Healey, 36, pulled on his hiking boots to climb the 19,340ft to the top of Africa's tallest mountain as part of the Kilimanjaro for Kirsty campaign. Along with the editor and deputy managing director from the Manchester Evening News and a bunch of fitness fanatics, Mr Healey endured six gruelling days of trekking through rainforest, African savannah and barren moonscape before reaching the summit.

On Saturday the eight men finally unveiled their fundraising banner as they reached the roof top of Africa. Together they have raised the cash for the Kirsty Howard appeal to help save Francis House Children's Hospice in Didsbury.

Mr Healey, who lives on Rhodes Green, Rhodes with his wife, Jacqui, and six-year-old daughter Charlotte, is the deputy postal manager at the MEN. Last year he took part in the Lands End to John O'Groats epic cycling marathon for the Kirsty appeal. But this year, together with work colleagues and friends, he decided to undertake extreme training and tackle the climb to Kilimanjaro's peak in a bid to raise even more funds.

Mrs Healey said: "We have all been quite anxious at times and know how dangerous the climb is.

"David was ill from day two with altitude sickness and suffered stomach cramps. He told me he has lost more than a stone a weight.

"But we are all so very proud of him in reaching the summit and helping to raise so much money."

Mr Healey returned back home on Tuesday for his heroes welcome. Exhausted but thrilled at his achievement he said: "It was a fantastic experince and a real adventure. It was a lot harder than I thought though as the limited oxygen up there can really affect you.

"We began our ascent at 11pm on Friday and didn't get to the summit till 8.30am on Saturday so it was a long trek but definitely worth it, the views were amazing."

Mr Healey is already planning his next fundraising adventure. Anyone who would like to donate to Kirsty's fund can send cheques payable to the MEN Kirsty appeal through Mr Healey at the MEN, 164 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3RN.