11/9/2003

Local News

Kilimanjaro climb to boost Rob's appeal

Helen and Phil Larner are off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Firefighter Phil Larner and his wife Helen, from West Byfleet, will be attempting to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on Sunday to raise funds for Rob.
In August last year Woking firefighter Rob and his wife Lorna were involved in a road traffic accident, which resulted in the death of Lorna and left Rob severely injured.
He suffered the loss of both legs and was left severely burned and also with extensive internal injuries.
The appeal fund was set up by Woking firefighters to help Rob and provide quality of life payments.
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most magnificent sights and, at 5,895m, it’s the highest peak on the continent.
Supply teacher Helen, explaining how the climb came about, said: “We met some people when we had been travelling and they said that they had done the trip for charity and we thought we could do it for Rob.
“Our neighbours have already raised £700 and we think that our final total will be more than £1,000. It will take five days to reach the summit and two days to climb down.
“In preparation we have been training. In April we joined LA Fitness and they devised a programme for us. We walked up Snowdon in February.
“We also go cycling and do a couple of runs each week. I’m not too good at camping and there will be five nights in tents at sub zero temperatures.
“However, Phil was in the Royal Marines so he’s used to roughing it and has been drawing on his experience for the trip and is very well organised.”
The couple have two children, Marisa, 11, and Jemma, 13, who are at Fullbrook School.
Helen added: “My parents will be looking after the girls. I think the children are nervous but very proud.

First printed in: Byfleet News and Mail