Two friends are facing their toughest challenge yet – conquering Poland’s Mount Rysy in the Tatras Mountains – to raise money for the Cinnamon Trust

Gillingham resident Julia Griffiths will be climbing one of Poland’s most challenging peaks to raise money for the Cinnamon Trust.

Julia and best friend Melanie Sharp began taking part in Ultra Challenges together in 2019, but this will be their toughest challenge yet – and they’re doing it alone.

They hope their efforts will result in generous donations from their supporters, which will all go to the Cinnamon Trust. The charity matches volunteers with dog owners who are no longer able to walk their pets, provides foster carers when owners need to stay in hospital, and general help like fetching cat food and cleaning out the budgie cage.

The Trust also provides long-term care for pets; knowing their much-loved companion will be safe and loved if they’re unable to care for them gives elderly and terminally ill owners immense peace of mind.

Julia explains, “On June 1, Melanie and I will be taking on Poland’s highest peak – Mount Rysy – to raise as much money as possible for the Cinnamon Trust. This will be our toughest challenge yet.

“Climbing Mount Rysy from the Polish side is regarded as one of the most challenging routes in the Tatra mountains. If the weather turns, it can get very dangerous. So we are praying for sun and not too much snow, if any. But the crampons are at the ready!
Julia was driven to raise money for the Cinnamon Trust after her own experience as a volunteer. “Molly is a very rascally springer spaniel; I walked her for her owner, Doug, while he was ill. When Doug sadly passed away his widow, Vivienne, made the very hard but brave decision to find another owner for Molly.

“The first time I laid eyes on Molly, it was love at first sight. I knew that her place was with me, and as they say, the rest is history. Vivienne remains a dear friend, and I remain a volunteer with the Cinnamon Trust.”

You can donate to Molly’s Mountain Climb online at www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/molly-s-mountain-climb-.

If you think you or someone you know could benefit from the Cinnamon Trust, please visit cinnamon.org.uk.