Two Harrogate men have shared the story of their perilous climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of a local care charity.
57-year-old Steve McCready and 51-year-old Pete Gawtry scaled the 19,000-foot mountain to fundraise for Harrogate Neighbours - a care organisation that had cared for their parents.
Steve lost his mum last year and said that the charity “moved mountains” for her, whilst they also offered support to Pete’s dad.
The pair began their climb mid-January in a team of six, accompanied by 19 sherpas.
They battled icy conditions and altitude to reach the summit at the start of February, and have so far raised just over £5,700 in the process.
Pete told Your Harrogate:
“It was the hardest thing all of us have ever done. It was a really hard thing to do.
“The trek itself wasn’t too bad but it was the altitude at the summit. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Steve said:
“It was quite humbling. We were going up the mountain for nearly eight days and there were people going back down with oxygen and helicopters flying in.”
The pair stayed overnight in tents, with temperatures dropping to -10 degrees.
Steve added:
“We all had a wobble at some point, but getting to that peak was amazing.
“The best bit was getting back to the hotel and having a cold Kilimanjaro beer!”
The pair are hoping to raise as much money as possible for Harrogate Neighbours, and are still asking for donations.
Steve said:
“I lost my mum last year – she was the matriarch to our large family and her absence has been really felt – particularly over the Christmas period.
“Harrogate Neighbours move mountains for people like my mum and Pete’s dad everyday and we hope to make lots of money for such a worthy cause.”
Harrogate Neighbours CEO Sue Cawthray said:
“We are incredibly moved by Pete and Steve's support, dedication and bravery.
“Their journey will not only honour their parents but also bring much-needed funds to help us deliver our services to the people we care for within the community.”
Would you like to contribute to Steve and Pete’s challenge? Visit their JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hnha2025
Listen to the full chat as Steve and Pete joined Nick Hancock on Your Harrogate Radio:
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