TWO friends have raised more than £3,300 in memory of a Downend teenager by climbing Africa’s tallest mountain.
Jo Robb, of Mangotsfield, and Kim Dixon, of Warmley, took six days to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, which at 5,895m (19,341ft) is the highest free-standing peak in the world.
They took on the challenge to raise money for the Cameron Williams Foundation, which aims to help men talk about their mental health, and charity Suicide Prevention UK.
Former Stanbridge Primary and Downend School pupil Cameron, who was 19, took his own life in 2024 after being left devastated by the death of his friend Tyler Carley in a lorry crash the previous year.
Cameron was not physically injured in the crash, but was left with survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder, which he hid from his family and friends.
The foundation was set up by Cameron’s mum Melissa Care, his aunt Amelia Care and their mum, Karen Parker, to keep his memory alive by helping other men find help with their mental health when they need it.
Jo’s daughter Millie was Cameron’s girlfriend and he worked at their family business, the Window Hub in Staple Hill.
Jo, an advanced nurse practitioner based at Kingswood Health Centre, said: “Standing on the roof of Africa is something I will never forget, but the journey to get there was far more than just a physical challenge.
“There were moments during that climb where I questioned whether I could go on. Fatigue, cold, and the mental strain all combined to push me to my limits. But it was also in those moments that I found my reason for being there.
“Knowing the cause behind every step gave us strength when we needed it most. It reminded me that while this climb was temporary, the struggles many people face every day are far greater—and often invisible.
“Reaching the top wasn’t just about completing the climb – it was about honouring Cameron, raising awareness, and proving to ourselves that even in the most difficult moments, there is a way forward.
“If sharing our story encourages even one person to reach out for help or to check in on someone else, then every step of that climb was worth it.”
Jo and Kim thanked everyone who has donated and sent messages of encouragement.
They have an online fundraising page which is still taking donations, at tinyurl.com/3s7ra7ch.
The total raised stood at £3,321 as the Voice went to print.