TWO friends are preparing to climb Africa’s tallest mountain in memory of a Downend teenager.
Jo Robb and Kim Dixon will head to Tanzania on February 7 to start a six-day journey up Kilimanjaro, which at 5,895m (19,341ft) is the highest free-standing peak in the world.
They are making the journey to raise money for the Cameron Williams Foundation, which aims to help men talk about their mental health, and charity Suicide Prevention UK.
Cameron, who was 19, took his life in 2024 after being left devastated by the death of a friend in a road crash.
Jo’s daughter Millie was Cameron’s girlfriend and he worked at their family business, the Window Hub in Staple Hill.
Jo, who lives in Mangotsfield, said: “The tragedy hit Millie hard – we were all devastated.
“Cam was the most beautiful soul, he had the kindest heart and his laughter was infectious.
“He had recently started as an apprentice glazier at our family window business, and was really good at it – he was eager to learn and had an amazing work ethic.
“His mischievous banter had all the team in stitches most days.
“We miss him and I hope we do him proud.”
The foundation was set up last year 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.
Speaking to the Voice at the time, Amelia said the foundation was set up with the aim of ending the stigma around discussing men’s mental health, to fund charities providing practical support and to direct men to help when they need it.
Former Stanbridge Primary and Downend School Cameron and his friend Tyler Carley were passengers in a scaffolding lorry which overturned on the Avon Ring Road near Mangotsfield in December 2023.
Tyler died in the crash, and while Cameron was not physically injured, Amelia said he had survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder, which he hid from his family and friends.
Jo, an advanced nurse practitioner based at Kingswood Health Centre, said: “I see how our mental health crisis is affecting men and boys, in practice at work and at home.
“I want to do something to raise awareness of the struggles that men and boys face when it comes to mental health and not opening up and talking to people.
“If I can help others seek help and support, I would be very happy.”
Jo and Kim, who lives in Warmley and manages a Kingswood estate agency, have been training hard by walking, hiking and weight training four times a week.
They have been helped by Downend personal trainer Dan Turner, who runs Forever Strong coaching and works at Impact Gym in Staple Hill.
Jo said: “I have always loved hiking – Kim and I regularly go to the Brecon Beacons for hiking days.
“Seven years ago we did the Three Peak Challenge, where we climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours. It was epic but the hardest thing I’ve done.
“I’ve always wanted to climb Kili. We will take the six-day Machame Route, reaching the summit at night on day six, when the temperature could be as low as minus 20!
“I just hope the altitude is good to us.
“Hiking is a mental challenge, just like mental health, and it’s a good way to show people help is on hand if you need it and are struggling.”
Jo and Kim are climbing with Action Challenge, run by Chris Littlehales, who recently took boxer Tommy Fury on the Three Peaks Challenge for a BBC documentary.
The Cameron Williams foundation is encouraging people to sponsor Jo and Kim on their trek, via a Gofundme page at tinyurl.com/3s7ra7ch.
The foundation said: “We are immensely proud of Jo for turning grief into purpose and using this challenge to help others.
“We wish her all the luck in the world for this huge climb — we will be cheering her on, every step of the way.”