Spa man scales the peak for charity

Buy photos » Mike at the summit of Kilimanjaro.s.

A DROITWICH man has climbed one of the highest volcanoes in the world to raise money for severely ill children.

Mike Russell from Dovecote Road, scaled the 5,895 meter summit of Kilimanjaro last month (October) and raised almost £4,500 for the Make a Wish Foundation.

The kind-hearted dad-of-two lost more than three and a half stone during his training which saw him visit the gym every day and recruit a personal trainer.

Mike, who works at Saxon Business Park in Bromsgrove, trekked for four days, to reach the foot of the mountain and completed the overnight ascent in nine hours, battling 65mph winds and -20C temperatures.

"I was totally exhausted, nauseous and having a severe headache because of the altitude, but I finally reached my goal as the sun came up over the mountain.

"It was without doubt the most exhilarating experience of my life," he added.

Mike said he wanted to support a charity that I felt carried out invaluable work and chose Make a Wish Foundation, who grant

wishes to very sick children.

"This charity works tirelessly to bring happiness to children and family’s lives who are dealing with terminal illnesses," he added.

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa and the fourth most prominent summit in the world.

Two of its three volcanic peaks are extinct but the highest - Kibo - is dormant and last erupted up to 200,000 years ago.

Visit www.justgiving.com/mike-russellwms to donate to Mike.

Regional news »