Chi Lee (left) celebrates at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
One Rockinghorse supporter set himself a heighty challenge in a bid to raise £5,000 for our charity…
46-year-old Chi Lee has scaled new heights by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro during a charity trek in September.
Located in Tanzania, it is the highest mountain in Africa, standing 5,895 metres above sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro is without doubt one of the most famous mountains in the world.
Chi departed the UK on Friday 27 September to begin his overseas charity challenge. It was the trip of a lifetime for philanthropist, Chi, who is Co-Founder of The S Events Company in Hove with his partner, Sasha Loo.
Chi sporting his Mount Kilimanjaro challenge medal.
Supporting Rockinghorse
He and his wife, Sasha have three young boys, aged 13, 10 and seven-years-old, and are proud supporters of Rockinghorse.
He explains, “Rockinghorse is a small charity close to my heart that has been doing great work for over 50 years. Raising money for sick and disadvantaged children, the charity is true to its mission and I’m proud to be able to support them and help make a difference.”
Rockinghorse is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton. We raise money for life-saving and cutting-edge medical equipment. We also fund items and services to ensure that children are treated in an environment better suited to their needs.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was the trip of a lifetime for Chi (right).
Reaching his target
Chi began his training in February of this year, trekking up, down and across the South Downs. Seven months later, his fundraising challenge became a reality when he began his trek in the Kilimanjaro National Park.
Supported by trained guides, Chi reached the summit on Friday 4 October after five gruelling days of trekking and climbing, with opportunities to rest at a number of base camp points along the way.
To mark his success, Chi flew a flag at the highest point on Uhuru peak, which displayed logos of some of the businesses that had sponsored him for his journey. In total, he has raised an incredible £5,507.06 for Rockinghorse.
Chi with his partner Sasha joined by Lucy and Ryan from Rockinghorse.
The trip of a lifetime
Chi was greeted with a ‘welcome back’ party at Freedom Works in Hove on Wednesday 9 October, where well-wishers were keen to hear all about his adventure. Here, he was joined by Rockinghorse CEO, Ryan Heal, and Challenge Events Fundraising Manager, Lucy Pond.
Chi said, “I’d like to thank my family, friends and the sponsors who supported me on this journey. Thanks to your kindness, you have helped to improve the lives of sick youngsters at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.
“The experience has been absolutely incredible and I’m so happy to have taken on the challenge for Rockinghorse. It was tough but totally worth it, remember – pain is temporary, but glory is forever!”
Chi’s Trek Kilimanjaro medal.
Sign-up to an overseas challenge
We are looking for more people to sign-up for an overseas challenge to help raise vital funds. To find out more, please click here or contact lucy.pond@rockinghorse.org.uk for further details.
