Monday, 4.30pm - A GENEROUS woman has raised more than £10,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, after watching a close family member struggle with the disease.
Caroline Mills, 26, of Swayfield, began fund-raising after a relative was diagnosed just over two years ago.
She said: “Over the last two years I have swum the Dalmatian Coast, held a 007 James Bond Ball on the River Thames in London, held various cake sales, car boot sales and auctions, and done a 13,500ft skydive.
“I’ve now set myself a new goal for 2008 - to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a close friend of mine, who sadly lost her grandfather to the disease.”
Caroline and friend Ellie Caldecott, who lives in London, will take on the mountain in October, and the pair hope to raise £10,000 in sponsorship.
They will climb to the 5,896m high summit of Uhuru, trekking for up to 12 hours a day for six days through dense jungle, rock and glaciers.
Caroline said: “This is most definitely the biggest challenge I have taken on and never thought I’d give something like this a go,
both in terms of raising funds and physical strength.
“I believe that it’s hugely important to remain positive and I’m not the kind of person who is able to stand by and do nothing.
“For me, the fund-raising gives me something positive to channel my energy into and it’s a great way to help other people while keeping me busy and keeping me fit.”
Sponsor Caroline and Ellie at www.justgiving.com/carolineclimbskili
Caroline has organised a Valentine’s ball and auction on Saturday, February 16, at Nottingham Racecourse, to raise money for the charity.
To book tickets, at £20 each, call Caroline on 07825 802786 or email: mills.caroline@btinternet.com
She will arrange for a coach to and from Grantham if there is enough demand.
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If he tries, it takes him more than an hour due to his severely inflamed joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can result in deformity, disability and sometimes death. Medication for the disease can cost dhs70,000 – a sum that is too high for Mustapha’s family to afford.