Blog by Emily Taylor

Communications Manager at Sunderland arc

After months of preparation and training I joined 18 other members of Sunderland Partnership in reaching the summit of the world’s highest free-standing mountain – Kilimanjaro. The expedition began in Rainforest on Friday 16 April and ended on top of the world with breathtaking views across the clouds at 7.35am on Wednesday 21 April. It was the hardest but most amazing adventure,  shared with an incredible group of people, all of whom are working together for a better Sunderland. It is testament to what the Partnership can achieve together and the important relationships formed during these 10 days will I’m sure remain for a very long time.

Between us we raised well over £30,000 for various charities, with £10,000 donated to the African Blackwood Conservation Project in Tanzania. Our money will enable over 13,000 trees to be planted, helping to reverse the devastating effects of deforestation.

To read more about our African adventures visit our Kilimanjaro page