AARON PHIPPS
about to climb 5,895m
Former GB Wheelchair Rugby player for London 2012, Aaron Phipps, has set himself the ultimate challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in May to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) and national charity Shaw Trust.
Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, Africa, is the tallest free standing mountain in the world and stands at 5,895m. Kibo, the snow-capped peak, is one of the most recognisable sights in the world of adventure and it is a huge challenge for those who are prepared to tackle the landscape and the altitude to reach the summit.
Aaron contracted Meningitis C and Meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning). This came from seemingly harmless flu like symptoms, which 12 hours later saw him on a life support machine.
His life was turned upside down with both legs and most of his fingers being amputated.
As part of his recovery, Aaron became involved in wheelchair races, completing in 10 km and the London Marathons, successfully acheiving a 4th ranking on the world stage. This enabled him to be selected for the Paralympics GB squad in wheelchair rugby (a sport incorporating elements of rugby, hockey, basketball and volleyball, played by competitors who have a physical disability) to compete at London 2012 where he scored over half of the overall points for GB.
Aaron will be attempting the Mt Kilimanjaro climb in a Mountain Trike an off-road wheelchair, which MRF helped fund, designed to tackle the terrain of Mt Kilimanjaro. He will be climbing with a small team of 4 – 5 people.
Aaron is hoping to raise £20,000 for the two charities by completing the seven day trek.
Aaron sums it up very well –
with his hashtag…
Help Aaron raise for
Meningitis Research Foundation