Salford Quays resident Gary Cripps is about to take on one of the toughest challenges in the world – climbing Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. He is raising money for the local charity Back on Track, where his partner Stuart volunteered before sadly passing away last year.
Gary, who is undertaking the eight day trek with his brother Roy, will have to brave potential altitude sickness and temperatues as low as minus 20° C at the summit.
Gary freely admits he has little experience in the discipline, but says, ‘Stuart lived in the moment every day. He would have sad: “Go for it Gaz, cos you’re only here once.” So Kili here I come!’ The brothers set off for Tanzania on Sunday 21 February.
Back on Track works in Manchester and Salford to help the most vulnerable members of the community, including homeless and people with addiction problem . Siobhan Pollitt, Chief Executive, pointed out that Gary’s challenge was a first for the charity: ‘We’ve never had someone take on something like this for us before, so we’re incredibly excited. It’s a difficult time for local charities so Gary’s efforts are a massive boost. And it means so much to the people we support to know that the community are rooting for them.’
Gary and Siobhan Pollitt
She also paid tribute to Stuart. ‘He was a fantastic volunteer for Back on Track – a joy to work and someone who just lit up the room. This is a great way to honour his memory.’
If you would like to sponsor Gary and help Back on Track to help more vulnerable local people click here
