Get me to the top of Kilimanjaro for Greenfingers Charity

Hello, I’m Alexa, I am a garden centre employee at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil Somerset.

I am 43, currently unfit, definitely fat but determined.

In June 2026, I will be putting myself to the test by attempting to summit

Kilimanjaro (one of the seven summits, and the world’s tallest free standing mountain) in aid of Greenfingers charity. An ambitious task for anyone, but as I said, I am determined and training is already underway.

I am specifically looking for help to cover the costs associated with training, along with the high costs of challenge itself. The challenge is deemed extreme, so preparation, kit and training are essential.

The climb will raise money and awareness for Greenfingers Charity and every donation will help. Ten weeks before for the climb I am required to cover the cost of my participation in full, £3500 excluding airport taxes. I also need a full kit suitable for the five climate zones we hike through, from tropical rainforest at the bottom to -20 (plus wind chill) artic conditions at the top. The kit list is extensive, from a suitable sleeping bag and sleeping mat. (Yes we are camping !) Correct footwear, day packs and full kit bags. I will need to have the right clothing and hydration kit, sunglasses and full thermal layers.

Twelve days including travel, the climb itself takes a long, hard, eight days up, making altitude acclimation possible, and a much faster two days to get back to the bottom putting my knees through their paces. Hopefully, there will be a much needed hot shower at the bottom.

Training all takes place in my own time, fitting in swims, bike, gym, yoga and many long hikes. I will need to complete several big climbs in the UK before I go, as well as visiting an altitude centre to prepare as much as possible as altitude sickness will be a real threat. Kilimanjaro is 5892m or 19000ft so oxygen the top is approximately 50% of that at sea level.

I need to cover the costs associated with training and the travel myself so any help would be much appreciated.

£3500 is required as my contribution towards the team of support personnel and local guides who will join us on the climb to ensure our safety and to guide us every step of the way to the summit.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

Green fingers Charity is dedicated to creating magical gardens for life-limited children and their families who spend time in hospices across the UK.

Each garden costs upwards of £100000, they are built because they provide a much needed place for the children and their families during their time at hospice. The gardens can let family’s make good memories in often the hardest days as well as providing sanctuary and quiet space for personal moments and reflection.

If you feel you can help me get to the top of Kilimanjaro you will also be supporting all of these families.

Thank you for taking the time to read a bit about me and my big challenge to summit Kilimanjaro for Greenfingers Charity.