Jeremy Bird and team of fundraisers reach summit of Mount Kilimanjaro this morning, to raise money for Wickes's chosen charity Leukaemia Research.


Mr Bird and a team of 16 Wickes colleagues and suppliers reached the summit of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, this morning.

Over the course of eight days, the trekkers took on the longest and most gruelling route up the mountain, fighting-off altitude sickness and fatigue to reach a summit that lies 5,895metres (19340ft) above sea level.

Managing director Mr Bird also completed the 'Three Peaks Challenge' for Leukaemia Research in 2008. Speaking before the climb he said: "Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will be one of the toughest challenges any of us have ever undertaken. Many of our group have never climbed a hill, let alone a mountain - so this could be called an act of insanity! However, we're a determined bunch of committed and highly competitive individuals who want to take on an extraordinary challenge and raise money for a really worthwhile cause."

The team have already raised £50,000 for Leukaemia Research, thanks to donations from colleagues, friends and family, and from a special gala dinner held at Manchester's Concorde Centre. It's not too late to donate, please click on the link below:

www.justgiving.com/wickeskilimanjaro

The partnership between Wickes and Leukaemia Research began in 2006 and so far colleagues and customers have raised more than £800,000. The relationship has now been extended into 2010, where Wickes will be one of Leukaemia Research's key supporters during the charity's 'Big Five-0' campaign and aims to smash the £1m fundraising target.

Kate White, Director of Fundraising at Leukaemia Research, said: "Wickes have taken part in some extraordinary fundraising events during their partnership with Leukaemia Research, but this has to be the biggest! Best of luck to all the team - we're all hoping the can reach the summit!"

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