Harley Cunningham climbs Mount Kilimanjaro for bereavement charity

Harley Cunningham, a 42-year-old from Horsell, successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to honor the memory of her son, James, who passed away five years ago. The 5,895-metre ascent was undertaken to raise funds for Cruse Bereavement Support.

Cunningham exceeded her initial fundraising goal of £3,000, raising more than £13,000 through the support of over 220 donors. She described the most difficult portion of the trek as a seven-hour overnight ascent in temperatures reaching minus 15C, noting the physical challenges of thin oxygen and nausea.

Reflecting on the journey, Cunningham emphasized the importance of the group of nine fellow climbers who assisted her through the challenge and expressed a newfound appreciation for life following her interactions with Tanzanian guides and porters.