Father and son climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Sep 24 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

Derek and Jim Kennedy at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

A FATHER and son team have completed a gruelling challenge to scale one of the world’s highest peaks.

Jim Kennedy (69) and his son Derek (33) have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money for Cancer Research.

The pair, from Livingston, reached the summit at 5895 metres (19,340ft) above sea level at 9.10am last Thursday after a final climb of nine hours.

And their efforts in reaching the “Roof of Africa” have so far raised almost £4000.

The men did the climb in memory of Jim’s wife and Derek’s mum, Patricia, who died four years ago from ovarian cancer at the age of 62.

And they were further spurred into action by seeing the team of celebrities complete their Mount Kilimanjaro challenge in aid of Comic Relief.

Jim said while the climb was daunting, he was pleased he had completed the challenge and said he’s delighted with the cash raised.

He said: “We intended to do the climb the year my wife died, but I couldn’t fit it in around my work and the following year Derek broke his leg. So it wasn’t until we saw the Red Nose Day climb that it properly resurrected the idea.

“Without doubt this challenge was the most physically demanding I have ever experienced in my 69+ years, but it was very rewarding and I proved to myself I have some mental strength.

“Our original target for fundraising was £1500, but our cancer fund has now gone through £2500 with over £600 in pledges still to come in. Add to this, the amount from gift aid (tax relief) now standing at £483 and we are fast approaching £4000.”

l If you would like to make a donation to Jim and Derek’s fundraising total, visit www.justgiving.co.uk/1manandhisdad/