In October 2010 Angie Aire, Chairman of Breakthrough’s Isle of Man group, led a team of 13 adventurers to tackle Mount Kilimanjaro – the world's largest freestanding mountain – to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
The team trekked through unspoilt wilderness for up to eight hours a day, making their way up the mountain and experiencing extreme conditions of high altitude and every eco-system known to man. In the run-up to the challenge, they hoped to raise as much money as possible. Angie, who completed a charity skydive last May, said she was inspired by the Comic Relief team – including Chris Moyles and Cheryl Cole – who completed the challenge in 2009.
Angie said: 'In November I started talking to friends whom I thought may be interested and by the New Year I had 18 people from all over the Island, in many walks of life, seriously considering conquering it. I was carefully considering all that it entailed – a huge cost to the trekker, time away from family and friends, two weeks out of your holiday time and lots of strenuous training.
'That's on top of all the fundraising that has to be done and at the same time getting the "be breast aware" message out there.'
The Team
Angie will be joined by:
- Helen Gough (breast cancer survivor and power walker)
- Kim Makin (IOM Breakthrough Breast Cancer secretary)
- Sue Biggart (85 mile Parish Walk ladies winner and nurse)
- Kevin Ford (3FM radio breakfast Show presenter)
- Jackie Turley (Isle of Man Newspapers reporter)
- Phil Shimmin (Detective Inspector)
- Rita Norrey (Methodist Church preacher and nurse)
- John Oates (lost his dear wife Ginny, to breast cancer 4 years ago)
- Irene Taggart (12-times 85 mile Parish Walk finisher)
- Eugene Wilson (Noble's Hospital Children’ Ward manager)
- Richard Skinner (Manx Telecom Manager and percussionist)
- Paul Costain (Sheep farmer and singer, will lead our Manx National Anthem song at the summit)
- Chris Swales (85 mile Parish Walk finisher)
- Andy Lodge (the newest recruit!)
Many of the team have been personally affected by breast cancer.
Anyone else interested in taking part in the challenge or sponsoring the team should contact Angie Aire at angie.breakthrough@live.co.uk
Chris Askew, Chief Executive, Breakthrough Breast Cancer"We are delighted to have a 13-strong team of fundraisers from the Isle of Man committed to taking on the enormous challenge of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro during Breast Cancer Awareness Month"
