The Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro Challenge team has reached Day Six of its extraordinary journey to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, with fundraising now standing at more than £227,000 and supporters being urged to help the team achieve the next major milestone of £250,000 before they begin their descent.
The team of 23 trekkers, drawn largely from across the UK horticulture industry, has spent the past six days tackling increasingly difficult terrain, extreme temperatures and the effects of altitude as they edge ever closer to Uhuru Peak.
While the summit is now within touching distance, the challenge is becoming tougher with every step.
Speaking from the mountain, Greenfingers Charity Ambassador and trek organiser Kate Ebbens shared an update with Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications:
“The past six days have been both a physical and mental challenge as the conditions of Kilimanjaro really start to bite. The altitude is affecting everyone differently, energy levels are being pushed to the limits and there are moments when putting one foot in front of the other takes real determination.”
“What has been incredible to witness is the way the team continues to support one another. There is always someone offering encouragement, sharing a laugh or checking that a fellow trekker is okay. That sense of camaraderie is carrying us through the toughest moments.”
“We know there are still some demanding hours ahead, but we’re focused on the goal and on the reason we’re here. Every step we take is helping create a beautiful Greenfingers Garden at Naomi & Jacks, giving children with life-limiting illnesses and their families a place to spend precious time together outdoors.”
“To everyone who has sponsored us so far, thank you. Your messages of support and generosity have meant so much. As we prepare for the final push, we’d love to see the fundraising total reach £250,000. Knowing we’ve achieved that milestone would provide an enormous boost as we head towards the summit and begin our journey back down the mountain.”
The challenge is raising vital funds for Greenfingers Charity’s latest garden project at Naomi & Jacks in Winchester. Designed by award-winning garden designer Helen Elks-Smith, the garden will provide a beautiful, therapeutic outdoor space where children with life-limiting conditions, together with their families and carers, can enjoy precious moments together away from the clinical environment.
The funds raised so far reflect the remarkable generosity of supporters from across the horticulture industry and beyond. Every donation brings the charity closer to creating a garden that will provide comfort, respite and lasting memories for families facing unimaginable challenges.
With the team now entering the most demanding phase of the trek, Greenfingers Charity is calling on friends, colleagues, suppliers, customers and supporters across the industry to help push the fundraising total beyond £250,000 before the trekkers begin their descent.
Donations and sponsorship can be made via the Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro campaign page. Every pound raised will help bring the Naomi & Jacks Garden to life and create a lasting legacy from this extraordinary challenge.
To sponsor the team, please visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026
