TWO garden centre workers are going to great heights to raise money for a charity that creates therapeutic gardens at children’s hospices across the UK.
Sarah, a manager at Castle Gardens in Sherborne, and Alexa, a gift buyer and assistant manager at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, are busy preparing to scale the 19,341-foot summit of Africa’s highest mountain next June, despite neither having mountaineering experience.
They are aiming to raise £10,000 for Greenfingers, which supports life-limited children and their families through the creation of unique therapeutic gardens.
Despite Sarah previously completing a 5,000-mile charity car rally from the UK to The Gambia, biodiversity surveys in Madagascar’s forests, and extensive travels across the USA and beyond, but she said the Kilimanjaro challenge will be her most physical to date.
“I’ve crossed continents and camped in remote forests, but Kilimanjaro represents something entirely different,” said Sarah.
“The goal is clear: get active, get fit, be determined, and be bold – all while raising money for a cause that creates safe, magical spaces for children who need them most.”
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Alexa’s decision to join the challenge came during a pivotal moment over Christmas 2024 when she recognised the need for a goal that would benefit both her physical and mental wellbeing.
“Standing in our kitchen, I told my partner Neil I wanted to do another charity challenge,” Alexa said.
“When I heard about the Kilimanjaro opportunity at The Garden Centre Association conference, there was no question – I had to sign up. Neil’s response was, ‘Well, you have always wanted to do an epic challenge,’ and he was right.”
Both women have thrown themselves into intensive training regimes, incorporating gym sessions, yoga, and swimming.
Alexa added: “I think about the mountain every day,” she said. “The focus is amazing, though I’m already wondering what I’ll do after Kilimanjaro. The challenge has given me exactly the mental and physical focus I needed.”
She said: “I know how much my garden means to me – it’s where I feel most relaxed and take joy from growing fruit, vegetables, and creating space for wildlife.
“Safe outside space is essential, so raising funds for a charity that creates magical gardens for life-limited children is simply an obvious thing to do.”
You can follow their journey on Instagram at @upto_summit
Visit their JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/alexasarahkilimanjarogreenfingers
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