A Hampshire man has climbed Africa’s tallest mountain in a challenging seven-day-trek, raising nearly £2,000 for the charity that helped support his parents at their end of their lives.

Richard Florey’s mum received support from Marie Curie while her husband had cancer and he says the charity helped her through a very difficult time.

“I know that Mum was still speaking to Marie Curie regularly whilst Dad was in our local hospice and even after he passed away, Mum continued to donate which shows that Marie Curie had a very special place in her thoughts and heart right up to when she herself sadly passed away last January.”

Richard, who has completed several charity runs for local causes, knew he wanted to undertake a bigger challenge in honour of his parents, when he came across a Kilimanjaro trek in aid of Marie Curie.

“When I saw this trek, I felt like it was all coming together,” he says. “Marie Curie also happens to be a client where I work. So, my colleagues know a lot about their wonderful work. And cheekily, I knew there was a good chance they’d sponsor me.”

"This trek was a gruelling seven day trip, and it was definitely a huge personal challenge for me but the feeling of reaching the top was something truly special," he said. "A feeling I'll never forget."

Richard says raising money for Marie Curie is a special way to give back to the charity who made such an impact on his mum and by extension himself.

“Mum didn't really tell me all of what Marie Curie did for her, as she was of that generation where no one really spoke about their feelings," he said.

“But I know for absolute certain that they helped her at a time in her life when she really needed support, and that means everything to me - more than I can really explain. It makes me a bit teary, just thinking about it.”

Marie Curie is dependent on donations and last year provided direct support to more than 61,800 people through its services. The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from and those that care for them, through its free information and support line, as well as expert care in its hospices and in people’s own homes. 

“I am genuinely in awe of the amazing work that Marie Curie does for people, at all stages of their life, and not just in those last days, weeks and months. I’m pleased this money raised will help them continue this work.”

If you are interested in fundraising for Marie Curie, please visit: mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/fundraiser