Bollington man conquers Kilimanjaro to fundraise thousands of pounds for the charity Veterans with Dogs
A Bollington man has raised thousands of pounds for charity, by climbing Kilimanjaro.
Paul Stephens has climbed Africa's tallest mountain to raise over £3657 for the charity Veterans with Dogs.
Furthermore, an additional £631.75 has been fundraised through GiftAid.
Paul, who is a veteran himself and got to Lance Corporal level in the Royal Engineers, spoke with Macclesfield Nub News following the competition of his challenge.
"It was a fantastic experience," he said.
"Obviously, it was a challenge.
"Summit night was exceptionally hard.
"The altitude did get to me a little bit, but obviously, I pushed through so I could raise all the money for Veterans with Dogs.
"Elite Exped, the guide company I went with were phenomenal.
"My initial fundraising goal was only £1000.
"I kept raising the targets and we've smashed all that.
"So to raise over four grand is absolutely fantastic.
"It is absolutely brilliant. Thank you to absolutely everyone who donated.
"It is way more money than I ever envisaged, originally."
Paul battled with sub-zero temperatures, struggles with altitude, and close to a week of climbing.
(Though thankfully, it didn't rain, unlike the photo we took with Paul in Bollington.)
It was a five-day trek to the summit, walking between four and seven hours per day.
And on the last day it took Paul seven hours to get to the summit, setting off at midnight, before a breathtaking view at 7am that morning.
"Getting to the summit was my favourite moment," he added.
"It was the pinnacle of it all. I met some great people on the trip, that I am pretty certain will be lifelong friends.
"The Tanzanian people are absolutely fantastic.
"I would recommend to anybody to push themselves, take a challenge outside your comfort zone. It is amazing what results it gives you.
"Again, I would like to thank absolutely everybody who has donated.
"The money raised will go to those people in need, with a dog for support.
"Hopefully they can go through their lives with a bit of normalcy, with a dog as a companion.
"I hope to raise more money for Veterans with Dogs next year."
The charity has been contacted for comment.
Paul has his sights on Everest base camp next April, for the same charity.
Proud partner Jo Stephens said: "I am very proud of him, if I could bottle his self-motivation and sell it, I would be a millionaire," she said.
"It has always been something he has wanted to do, and I feel it is the start of many. He has loved it.
"Can I also say thank you to everyone for their support."
Macclesfield: It is not too late to donate to Paul's fundraiser. You too can do so on this link.
Chrissie MacLellan, of Veterans with Dogs said: "Paul has been a fantastic supporter, dug deep, trained hard and we salute him for it!"
"Having raised such an incredible amount for our charity, we are so thankful for his efforts.
"Veterans With Dogs also acknowledges the generosity of all those who kindly to donated to his epic challenge.
The funds will support our veterans residential workshops which are vital to developing the special bond with their assistance dog and their training".
Learn more about the charity via THIS LINK.
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