Teen to climb Kili for charity

Ryan Paisley will be climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with three friends to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

The 19-year-old was inspired to conquer the nearly 6,000-metre ascent for the charity after he saw a presentation on the disease at university in Loughborough.

Ryan, of Burbage, said: “It made me realise how serious it is, especially to babies, toddlers and young adults of which it mostly affects. I also have a friend who had a bad scare with meningitis.”

The first year sport and exercise science student has already raised £1,000 of his £2,025 target and has been donating his wages from his job at Ferodo in Chapel-en-le-Frith, where he works in the holidays.

“I have done bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and took part in a few outdoor activity trips throughout school, but nothing compared to this magnitude, so this will be a challenge,” he added.

“I am currently just keeping myself generally fit, playing sport at university and at home when I am back on breaks. However I will have to take part in altitude training prior to my climb. The majority of people who climb Kili do experience altitude sickness.”

The expedition is expected to take five to six days.

To make a donation, visit Ryan’s sponsorship page at virginmoneygiving.com.