The group, consisting of Allie Winterton, Kerry Bachelet, Michelle Drysdale, Sam Holder-Leak, Imy Bachelet and Lucy Lofton, will embark on the nine-day trek on 2 September, with six days of ascent and three days coming back down.
The climb is being undertaken in support of Little Black Dog Guernsey Rescue, which works in conjunction with Scan Animal Rescue in Spain, and the African Children’s Fund – a small charity working to improve education and welfare for children across east Africa.
Mrs Drysdale, who has adopted dogs through Scan, said the charities were chosen for their personal significance.
‘I’ve got two little Spanish rescues from Scan, and I wanted to support a children’s charity in Africa as well, since that’s where we’re going,’ she said.
‘The African Children’s Fund were amazed we found them. They’re a small charity, and I’m so pleased we did.’
The idea for the climb was inspired by Lucy Lofton, who was born and raised in Guernsey but now lives in Georgia, USA. Having climbed Kilimanjaro twice before, this will be her third and final ascent.
Her determination and past experiences motivated the rest of the group to join her.
‘I never wanted to do it,’ admitted Mrs Drysdale.
‘But when Lucy said it was her last time, I thought, right, that’s it, I’m doing it.’
The women have been training together through regular hikes and events like the Saffery Walk, and have been preparing mentally and physically for the altitude and endurance required.
‘We’ve been doing steps and hill walks, and we’ll be taking altitude medication,’ said Mrs Drysdale.
‘We’re funding the trip ourselves, so every donation goes straight to the charities.’
While other islanders have climbed Kilimanjaro in the past, the women hope that their challenge will inspire new support and raise awareness for their chosen causes.
‘We’re not the first to do it, and we won’t be the last,’ said Allie Winterton.
‘But we hope to raise as much as we can.’
Donations can be made via Michelle’s JustGiving pages.
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