At the end of January 2023, a team of 21 explorers will set off from Arusha in Tanzania on a six day expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of three charitable causes: Mental Health, Cancer Research and Multiple Sclerosis. The team of Felicity and Michael Barnard, Steve Barrett, Alex Dempster, Richard and Philippa Ellis, Claire Fundrey, Elizabeth Gooch, David and Emily Kenton, Joanne Lake, Kerry Mills, Caitlin Moss, Alena Murrell, Nigel, Philippa, Adam, Emma and Coral Payne, Kevin and James Wardale will attempt to climb the mountain via the most scenic route but also a challenging route: the Lemosho Route.

Every team member is self-funding the climb in order that 100% of the money raised can go directly to the three charities. Unlike many others, Givewheel do not deduct any fees from the money you donate, any contributions to Givewheel from donors are entirely optional and Givewheel are unique in allowing a team to raise money across multiple charities.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not just about climbing a mountain: it is also about experiencing culture and landscape few will ever get to see. From the songs of the barefooted porters streaming past you along the trail carrying the tents and provisions, to the gentle evening farewells of “lala salama” (sleep peacefully) from the night watchmen as you snuggle down into your sleeping bag under the most intense starlit sky you will ever see, this adventure into another world enriches most who are brave enough to attempt it and instills an additional sense of purpose into the climb and the charitable causes.

At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world; it is one of the world's Seven Summits. The climb will test every member of the team, for most it will be the best things they've ever done whilst for some it will also be the hardest thing they've ever done. The explorers will trek through five different climatic zones Bushland (to 1,800m), Rainforest: (to 2,800m), Moorland: (to 4,000m), Alpine Desert: (to 5,000m) and Arctic: (to 5,895m). Along the way, the effective level of oxygen will fall from 21% (at sea level) to 9% at the summit. The climb requires hiking-ready fitness, determination and mental strength and most important of all, discipline to climb in a manner that allows the body to acclimatise to the significantly depleting oxygen environment.

The team are raising money for three incredible charities which have each had an impact on the lives of a team member or that of a family member: one of the team members who has recovered from throat cancer, a mother who has MS, parents who have died of cancer, a son who had testicular cancer, a sister with mental health challenges - these causes are deeply personal to the team members and every one of the team is extremely grateful that in what are difficult times, you have chosen to support us as we raise money for these causes. Thank you. Of the donations received, 20% is going to each of testicular cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and mental health.