A TEAM who set out to climb Africa’s highest peak in memory of a Downend teenager have completed their challenge – and raised more than £28,000.
The gruelling seven-day climb up Kilimanjaro took place to support the Alfie Nick Foundation, set up by the family of Alfie Richley, who was 17 years old when he suffered fatal injuries in a freak skateboarding accident while on holiday in 2023.
Alfie’s dad Nick Richley led the team going up the world’s highest free-standing peak, the climax of the Climb for Alfie campaign which also included a 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge earlier in the year.
The team, including Ash Dyer, from Downend, as well as Nick’s brother, cousin and another friend, completed the challenge in July.
Nick said: “Our team of five set out to honour Alfie’s legacy by pushing ourselves to the limit – and we did exactly that.
“The physical, mental and emotional toll of the trek was intense, made harder by the effects of high altitude. We walked for days through nausea, headaches and sickness – exhausted, but determined.
“The final summit push began at midnight in freezing conditions. We climbed through darkness for over seven hours, finally reaching the summit just after sunrise.
“It was a breathtaking moment – both for the view, and the sense of purpose behind every step. It was really emotional getting to the top – the reality of the accomplishment setting in and the reasons why we were doing the challenge.
“We’re proud to say all five of us made it to the top, and together we’ve already raised over £28,000 to support disadvantaged children through the Alfie Nick Foundation. Every penny goes directly to helping children access opportunities that can change the course of their lives.
“This was without doubt the toughest challenge I’ve ever faced — seven relentless days of climbing, battling sickness, exhaustion and altitude.
“But reaching the summit, knowing we were doing it for Alfie and the children the Foundation supports, made every step worth it. This is about honouring Alfie’s legacy by giving other children the chance to thrive – and the money raised means we can make a real difference in the lives of the children who need the most support.”
The charity has been set up to fund services for disadvantaged children who have been in the care system, live with disabilities or face mental health challenges.
The Climb for Alfie donation page is online at tinyurl.com/mphjc66y.