We recently climbed Kilimanjaro in memory of Johnny Sutton, who died last year of encephalitis. It is Africa's tallest mountain, and the world's highest free-standing peak. Please use the navigation buttons above to find out more, or click on the camera to the left to view photos.
Peter Elphick and Ed Tulloch are 17-year-old schoolboys who love an adventure. Ed recently completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and Peter is well on the way to doing the same.
We became interested in The Encephalitis Society after Johnny died in August 2008, and wanted to help those who suffer from the disease, both directly and indirectly, by funding research as well as care and councelling for those affected.
"Kili" is a completely unique climb. We started in the tropical jungle, where it was very hot and humid. As we ascend we left the jungle, entering open moorland and finally a snowy summit, where temperatures plummet to -26 degrees Celcius!
Due to this changing climate as we scale the mountain, the climb was challenging and many are also affected by altitude sickness. This can be very dangerous, and may have stopped us from reaching the top. However, we are both physically fit and we included an acclimatisation day near the summit to increase our chances of completing the ascent.
Our aim is to raise in excess of £7,500, which will go a long way to helping The Encephalitis Society continue to do its amazing work.
As you may know, Johnny Sutton tragically died of encephalitis last August. Something you are less likely to know is that Johnny climbed Mount Kilimanjaro too. We decided that it was therefore, fitting to climb 'Kili' for The Encephalitis Society in memory of Johnny. We left exactly one year after his death.
Click here to view pictures of Kilimanjaro
The Encephalitis Society are the only resource in the world of their type providing a dedicated service to people affected by encephalitis and their loved ones. They provide information materials, a support telephone service, events, newsletters, and support for ongoing research into the disease.
Click here to watch a video about the Society's work
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. The inflammation is caused either by an infection invading the brain (infectious); or through the immune system attacking the brain in error (post-infectious / autoimmune encephalitis).
Encephalitis frequently begins with a flu-like illness or headache. Typically more serious symptoms follow hours to days later. The most serious finding is an alteration in level of consciousness. This can range from mild confusion or drowsiness, to loss of consciousness and coma.
We aim to raise over £7,500 for The Encephalitis Society. This charity improves the quality of life of all people affected directly and indirectly by encephalitis.
You can either give offline (by post or by hand) or online. Please choose which method of giving you would like to use below.
Offline Giving
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Photos from the trek HERE!
Site created
by Ed Tulloch
