28th October 2011

CREWKERE: Grandparents reach heights for charity

GRANDMOTHER Jean Neale, from Crewkerne, was so determined to raise money for her chosen charity that last month, together with her husband Bill, she put on her walking boots and made the gruelling ascent up three-mile high Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Mrs Neale is a former human resources officer for Dorset County Council, and explained: “I’m a trustee for Home-Start West Dorset, which offers friendship and support for families. It primarily aims at families with children under five years old who need some help because they are going through a difficult time for whatever reason.

“As a mother and a grandmother, I know very well how parenthood doesn’t always go smoothly. Not everyone is fortunate to have family and friends who can help them when times are tough. This is where Home-Start West Dorset is invaluable, with trained volunteers who can offer specific support tailored to each family’s needs for as long as they need it.

“Funding is harder and harder to get these days so fundraising is a necessity in order for the charity to keep going. I was determined to do something that really stood out to raise awareness and money. It costs approximately £1,200 to support a family for 12 months.

“Last year we helped 48 families in the West Dorset area and we hope to help more next year, our fundraising will mean Home-Start can continue to help get young children off to a better start in life.”

Climbing a mountain 5,895m above sea level is no easy task for anyone, but the couple weren’t going to let their 64 years of age hold them back and they trained hard for the expedition. As well as risking mountain sickness because of the high altitude, they also had to endure extremes of temperature ranging from 25C in the day to well below zero at night.

Family obviously means a lot to Mrs Neale, who revealed her secret to keep her going on the demanding eight day trek. “I kept thinking of my two lovely granddaughters Rosie who is eight, and Alice who is six. Rosie had drawn us a good luck picture saying ‘Good luck Grandma and Grandad. Hope you do well in the walk.’

“I kept the picture in my inside jacket pocket and kept looking at it on the ascent. It definitely kept me going.”

The Neales have raised £450 so far on their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Jean-Neale and continue to welcome donations.

DETERMINED COUPLE: Jean and Bill Neale on their ascent up Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, on an expedition to raise money for Home-Start West Dorset. Photo by Martin Jameson

CREWKERE: Grandparents reach heights for charity

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