Melissa(left) and Jenny (right)
Two best friends from Poole will be taking on the world’s second tallest mountain Kilimanjaro this September to raise over £8,000 for charities close to their hearts.
Jenny Pearce, 32, is climbing the 5,895m mountain in aid of Dorset’s disability charity Diverse Abilities and Melissa Scott, 32, is trekking to the summit for the Big Issue Foundation.
The pair are climbing the Lemosho route over seven days and due to reach the summit on 23 September.
Melissa is passionate about the Big Issue Foundation’s activities and says: “My role as a specialist mental health practitioner for the homeless in the local area, gives me the privilege of working alongside the Big Issue Foundation in Bournemouth. I see first-hand the incredible work that this charity undertakes in supporting individuals to rebuild their lives, and have seen the difference their support has made to individuals who I have also worked with.”
Jenny who is climbing for Diverse Abilities, the charity that supports children and adults with disabilities in Dorset as well as providing a lifeline to families, said: “After working with the charity for over five years I wanted to give something back and make a difference to the people Diverse Abilities supports, and the families that face constant battles every day. I continually see the great work that the charity does and without Diverse Abilities many children and adults with disabilities would not lead the life they deserve.”
As part of the challenge both ladies need to raise £4,100 each and will be fundraising over the next six months to raise their target through sponsorship and arranging events. In preparation for the trek Melissa and Jenny are also training hard in the gym and walking around the Dorset countryside.
Both ladies said: “Climbing one of the most iconic mountains in the world will see us really challenging ourselves for Diverse Abilities and the Big Issue Foundation. We will be totally out of our comfort zone but all the pain, tiredness and emotions that we will go through during the trek will all be worthwhile because we are making a difference to two amazing charities. By having each other through every stage of the journey will also help to keep us focused and determined to succeed.”
To support Melissa and Jenny on their journey and raise funds for Diverse Abilities and The Big Issue Foundation please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MelissaScott2 or text MELS16 and the amount you wish to donate to 70070 andwww.justgiving.com/JennyPearceKilimanjaroChallenge2016 or text JKIL83 and the amount you wish to donate to 70070 or contact them at jenny.pearce@diverseabilities.org.uk.
