Bollington man to climb highest mountain in Africa for charity
A Bollington man is crossing off a bucket list item, whilst raising vital funds for charity.
Paul Stephens - a veteran himself - is going to climb Kilimanjaro for the charity Veterans With Dogs.
Paul will take on the 5895 metre tall African mountain this summer.
He will head to Tanzania on August 6, and take on the peak on August 7.
He has already raised £1,079 for the charity Veterans with Dogs, which pairs ex-armed forces members with fur babies for companionship and to boost their mental health.
Macclesfield Nub News met with Paul, outside Macclesfield Town Hall, to find out more.
"I've always been interested in mountaineering," said Paul, who also works at his son's Macclesfield jujitsu gym for a living.
"I left Macclesfield to live in the States for 14 years, and got out of hiking, walking and climbing. So since we moved back here, I have got back into it as we are obviously in a great spot to start that up again.
"As we get older, there is a lot of things in life that you want to do, but you don't. So here I am doing it, climbing Kilimanjaro.
"So if this goes well, it will be my stepping stone to do more in a couple of years to come.
"Kili is 19500 feet. The closest I have done to that is 14000 feet, which I in Switzerland and Colorado. I recently went down to the altitude centre in London, which was a really interesting test to see what my body can do.
"I have been training with 14kg on my backpack, getting two-to-three six-to-thirteen mile walks per week."
"I also climbed Snowden earlier this month.
"Obviously being an ex-military personnel, Veterans with Dogs is a great charity for me to support.
"I love the fact how dogs can help people so much from a mental health aspect.
"I have seen so many people have a normal sense of life by having something to care for, which is a dog that loves you unconditionally. Veterans for Dogs do a great job of pairing people and paws up."
Paul wants to raise £1500 by the time he has scaled the African peak.
Paul was a Royal Engineer for nine years, and has had multiple canine companions over the years.
"I just appreciate absolutely every donation no matter how big or small," he added.
"Every pound that gives back to veterans, you can see the benefits it gives."
Paul is climbing with Nims Dai, who was the first Gurkha to join the Special Forces and climb the 14 peaks. His choice of guide is an ethical one, which will best financially help the sherpas.
Veterans with Dogs were contacted for comment. Employee Chrissie Maclellan said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Paul is undertaking such a monumental trek to support our Veterans Assistance Dogs programme."
"Our assistance dogs do more than just assist; they save lives, offering companionship, love, and a newfound sense of freedom to their human partners.
"As a small charity, every donation to support Paul's Kilimanjaro challenge is so special and we know he will embrace and conquer such a positive event.
"We wish Paul the best of luck, he will be Pawsome!"
Macclesfield: You can donate to Paul's fundraiser on this link.
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