A senior school student from Robert Gordon’s College has raised more than £12,000 for local children’s charity Charlie House by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
The challenge marked a special milestone as Ailie McIntosh celebrated her 14th birthday during the seven-day trek.
Ailie embarked on the climb alongside her dad Craig, reaching the 5,895 metre peak of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. The pair’s original fundraising target was £5,000. However, thanks to overwhelming support from friends, family and classmates, they more than doubled their goal.
“To raise over £12,000 for a great local cause is just incredible. We’re so grateful to everyone who supported us,” said Ailie
Katie Bremner, Charlie House Community & Events Fundraiser, Ailie McIntosh
Prior to the climb, Ailie and Craig undertook an extensive training regime, including regular hikes in the Scottish hills with weighted backpacks, suitably preparing them for their seven-day trek through rainforest, rocky terrain, and sub-zero conditions.
The fundraising duo were part of a group supported by experienced local guides, whose skills and knowledge were key to completing the challenge. One guide even surprised Ailie with a handmade birthday cake to celebrate her 14th birthday two days before reaching the peak, a memory she’ll never forget.
Commenting on her experience, Ailie said: “It was amazing. The people, the culture, and being in a place so different to home were just some of the best parts for me. Some moments of the challenge were tough such as the slow trek on the way up to avoid altitude sickness and the midnight starts on summit day, but overall, it was incredible.
Ailie McIntosh, Craig McIntosh
“We reached the top at sunrise and were looking out over the clouds. It was so cold at the summit, around minus 10 degrees. It was covered in snow but still sunny – it was out of this world.
“I’m so grateful and glad I got the chance to do it for a cause like Charlie House, that really means a lot to me.”
Ailie added: “The challenge was 100 per cent worth it as you feel a real sense of pride afterwards. I’d love to inspire more people to take on a challenge, especially for charity. No matter what age you are, fundraising is an amazing thing to do.”
Katie Bremner, community and events fundraiser at Charlie House, said: “We are so grateful to Ailie for taking on such an epic challenge in support of Charlie House. Her maturity, selflessness and determination have been incredible to witness. The funds she has raised will make a real and lasting difference for the children and families we support across North-East Scotland. A huge thank you to Ailie and Dad Craig for choosing to raise much-needed funds for us.”
Ailie McIntosh, Craig McIntosh
She added: “Charlie House partners with various individuals, schools, clubs and businesses across the local community. Taking on a fundraising challenge is one of the many ways people can help make a difference to the lives of the children and families we support.”
Charlie House supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, providing practical and emotional support as well as inclusive activities for the whole family. The charity is also working to build a specialist care facility in Aberdeen.
To find out more or to start your own fundraising for Charlie House, visit: www.charliehouse.org.uk/support-us/raise-funds