A Ringwood businessman and seasoned charity fundraiser is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October to support NHS children’s services.
Tristan Webb, managing director at Aspire Insurance Services, is tackling the seven-day challenge to raise money to further develop the use of ‘BERTIE’ software, a structural educational programme involved in the diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. Additional funds will allow BERTIE to incorporate a ‘Kiddiewise’ section featuring educational topics aimed at young children and their parents.
To reach Kilimanjaro’s 5,895 metre summit, Tristan, who is married with three children, will be following the Machame Route, the most popular one, trekking through eco-systems including rainforest, moorland and Alpine zones.
He said: “I have a target which is to raise £3,000 and, after any necessary expenses, proceeds will be presented to the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals.
“Over the years the local NHS has helped not only my family and myself, but also close friends across a wide range of issues. I have always raised funds for children’s charities.
“BERTIE is offered to all people with Type 1 Diabetes at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, however I would like to support its use working with children.
“The estimated cost of developing the website with Kiddiewise provision is £56,000 plus VAT. It includes 10 distinct areas, a new child-friendly design and technical aspects.”
Tristan, whose challenge in Tanzania runs from October 3-12, is looking forward to six to eight days which will be spent hiking with a five kilogramme pack and combating altitude changes.
He added: “I’ve been careful to book with an organisation which cares for both its staff and the mountain, to keep it for future generations to enjoy. It operates a ‘leave no trace’ policy, all porters are protected, paid in accordance with set rates and treated fairly.”
He has previously run the London Marathon (2010), climbed Toubkal (in 2014, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco) and completed several challenges for the British Heart Foundation (ascending Snowdon in 2016).
Various fund-raising events have been organised from now until October – a bake sale, car wash, the special forces’ Fan Dance march over the Brecon Beacons, a 108-mile Dorset bike ride and raffle – one per month. Tristan is also seeking corporate sponsors.
To support him visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/tristanwebb1#.Wp_l5_A_3cA.facebook