Maltby woman to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in honour of lost loved ones

Kitty Reilly, of Maltby, who lost her sister Donna Carruthers to cancer last May, plans to conquer Africa’s highest peak in June in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The 41-year-old, whose brother Larry Reilly died from the disease 20 years ago, said her sister’s love of nature had inspired her to take on the challenging expedition.

“She loved life, loved nature, loved the outdoors and loved laughing.

“So in order to honour my sister with her love of the great outdoors, breath taking scenery and nature, I’ve signed up to trek Mount Kilimanjaro for Cancer Research.”

Kitty, who flies out to Tanzania on June 18 to start her trek, said she had never done anything similar to the challenge ahead.

“I’ve done marathons and fundraisers but nothing will compare to the altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro,” she said.

“It’s a ten day trip in total —the hike should take five to six days, walking five or six miles a day, which will feel a lot longer at the altitude.”

In order to train for the event, Kitty has been going on runs and doing lots of cardio, which includes walking the Yorkshire fells.

She has already smashed her fundraising target of £4,000, with her current sponsorship total up to £6,000.

Asked why she was backing the charity, she added: “I want to give those with knowledge the financial support to research this god awful disease so others don’t have to feel the sense of loss we and many others have.

“I’m going up with a flag with ribbons on, so those that have donated can put the names of loved ones they’ve lost on there, so it’ll be like they’re with me.”

You can donate to Kitty’s appeal at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kitty-reilly7.