Scaling mountains for the hospice
A 26-year-old Doncaster woman has scaled the highest mountain in Africa to get the cash rolling in for the borough’s hospice.
Emma Blackburn, of Warmsworth, has recently handed over £3,021 to the St John’s Hospice Appeal after climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro – the highest free-standing mountain in the world which is 5895 meters above sea level.
Emma decided to take on the challenge to raise money for the Balby-based hospice to say ‘thank you’ for the way staff had cared for her step dad Neil, who spent the last days of his life there last August.
Emma is pictured centre, with mum Fiona (to her right) surrounded by staff from St John’s Hospice and the hospice appeal.
The money was raised in sponsorship for Emma’s climb and from donations from Neil’s funeral.
Emma said: “I trekked for eight days to get to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro – it was quite an experience and a challenge.”
Emma’s mum Fiona also gained sponsorship from her work colleagues at the bank NatWest.
Chris Smith, Community Fundraiser for the hospice, said: “What an amazing donation – and a unique way to raise the cash. I want to thank Emma, her family and friends for supporting her with the sponsorship. This is a fantastic amount for our appeal and every penny will be spent on our patients’ care.”
The hospice is run by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH).