CLICK to enlarge photo. Pictured, at a recent fundraising event, (L to R); Louise, Katrina, Maxine, Jane. CLICK HERE to donate
Katrina Woodley (50 ), who works as a Fitness Instructor in Winkfield, and three friendsare - Maxine Hellier (51) - a Health Control officer, Jane Money (53) - a Customer Service agent and Louise Everett (41) - a Learning Support assistant, are all local ladies who work and have families to look after. Just over 2 years ago, Katrina, Maxine and Jane climbed Mt Kilimanjaro to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and, not only reached the summit, but also raised over £22,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. On their returm they held another fundraising event and announced that their next huge challenge was to be Everest Base Camp!! Maxine and Jane were a little shocked, but didn't take too much persuading. It was at this time that Louise joined the group, now named The Skywalkers... So the fund raising began again, with quiz nights, car boots, shopping trips, cake sales Ascot Races collections, and outside Supermarkets collections.
Any days off work have been spent with training or fund raising. Katrina and Louise have also climbed the National three peaks in 24hours and also the Welsh 15 peaks in 36 hours, to continue raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Katrina even did a Tandem Skydive with her Daughter from 15,000ft and a couple of friends and also Climbed Mt Toubkal in Morocco, which was a Winter Climb and involved using crampons and Ice picks.
These were not only fundraising events for Macmillan, but in turn, training for the biggest challenge to date, - getting to Everest Base Camp. The women leave for this event in March 2013, it is an extreme challenge, taking them to an alltitude of 5,545m above sea level. They will be walking for 16 days for approximately 8 hours a day, staying in Tea Houses, which will be basic but adequate. It will be a tough challenge, with extreme terrain and weather changes and above all , will mean being away from their families for 19 days.
They have raised over £15,550, and would love to raise over £20,000, with all monies going to Macmillan Cancer Support - a very worthy charity, helping Cancer sufferers and their families, in every way, from emotional to financial support. To do this they have a Just Giving site http://original.justgiving.com/skywalkers and all donations will be put to use immediately by Macmillan.
If you need any further information, please contact Katrina on katrina.moore@btinternet.com or 07710 464407.
Watch this space to follow the intrepid fundraisers' progress