North Yorkshire woman climbs Mount Kilimanjaro for Yorkshire Cancer Research

A North Yorkshire woman has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Jane Thornton, from Northallerton, took on Africa’s highest mountain in June, raising £170 to help fund pioneering research that saves lives in Yorkshire.

Jane said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I saw people do the climb on the TV about 10 years ago and thought it looked great. I like to set myself big challenges, so it’s been in the back of my mind ever since.

“When the opportunity finally came along, I couldn’t wait to put my name down.”

Jane completed the climb for Yorkshire Cancer Research in memory of her dad, who passed away from cancer 10 years ago.

She said: “I’m a Yorkshire lass, so I wanted to do it for a local cancer charity because I know they fund cancer research in the region.

“I wanted to give something back and hopefully help other families who are going through cancer.”

Located in the East African country of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro sits an impressive 5,895 metres above sea level, making it the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Jane completed the journey alongside 37 other climbers, and the group was led by two UK guides and accompanied by 130 local porters.

“The support from everyone in the group was incredible. We kept each other going through the difficult moments.”

To reach the top of Kilimanjaro, a point known as the Uhuru peak, the group trekked for five days, averaging eight hours of walking a day.

Jane continued: “It’s the toughest thing I’ve ever done. On the final day you set off for the summit at 11 o’clock at night, and then you trek through the night to get to the top for sunrise.

“The feeling when we reached the top was just incredible, it made it all worthwhile. Everyone was hugging each other, and we just couldn’t believe we’d done it.”

The funds raised will go towards life-saving research to help prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer in Yorkshire.