A BROMSGROVE woman who is trekking up Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity will start her climb today (Friday).
Kirsty Underhill, from Stoke Prior, initially hoped to raise £5,000 for the cause to thank the hospital for the treatment given to her friend, Vicki Steele’s son, three-year-old Ben.
But, after spending the last six months organising a host of fundraising events, she increased that to £10,000 and has now surpassed that target. At the time of going to press, Kirsty had more than £11,300 pledged for the cause.
Kirsty left Bromsgrove on Wednesday to meet up with the rest of the group at Birmingham International Airport when she and the others headed to Tanzania.
The trek is expected to take eight days so Kirsty and the rest of the group should have it completed by next Saturday, February 8.
‘Inspired by Ben’s bravery’
Speaking to the Standard in September, Kirsty said she was ready for the test of ‘resilience against the harsh elements, high altitudes and rugged terrain’.
“This awe-inspiring feat is not merely about conquering a mountain but also about making a meaningful impact.”
On Ben, her inspiration for the trek, she added: “He is such a brave, strong and funny little boy.
“It has been a privilege to watch him defy the odds and grow into his happy and adventurous self.”
Ben’s condition
Ben was born with CCTGA – a rare and complex form of congenital heart disease and has undergone various procedures at BCH since birth to improve his condition.
Hours after being born Ben had a temporary pacemaker fitted and later developed fluid around his heart, needing an emergency procedure to drain it.
At three weeks old he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker and later underwent a risky and complex 10-hour ‘double switch’ operation.
Doctors said his recovery was one of the quickest they had seen and, thanks to the treatment, Ben now has a brighter future ahead.
Anyone wanting to boost Kirsty’s fundraising total further can visit: justgiving.com/page/kirsty-underhill-kilimanjaro2025 to donate.
