The trio – which is to be joined by friends Deborah Race, Steven Horne and Lee Wright – is looking to get as many equipment and financial donations as possible. In return for corporate contributions, the team members will embellish their kits with the companies’ logos which will then either be returned or donated to the local African community.
However, for one hiker the adventure starts 700 miles away in Kenya. 27-year-old James McDonough will be flying to Kenya on 16th January with fellow mountaineer Steven Horne and from there the duo will backpack to Tanzania where they will meet the rest of the group in time for their expedition.
James McDonough, chairman of the Daisy Difference says: “As well as wanting to help the Daisy Difference raise as much money as possible, it is also a personal aim of mine to climb a mountain which is bigger than any in Europe. We have all funded the trip entirely by ourselves, so any donations received will go to the Daisy Difference charities.
“I am excited by the challenge but also, as you can imagine, apprehensive at the same time. On the mountain we will face many challenges; altitude sickness, extreme temperatures as well as dangerous creatures and possible illnesses. To ensure that we are all physically prepared we have been taking part in bootcamp sessions, hiking and cycling, and so far I have had 10 different vaccinations.”
All money raised by the Daisy Difference is distributed to the business’ selection of charities – Pendleside Hospice, the Prince’s Trust, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Always a Chance and the Samaritans.