Emotional mission inspires Mark to raise more money

A Teesside University academic who recently returned from scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro is still working tirelessly to raise as much money as possible for a children’s charity after being touched by the emotion of the challenge.

A Teesside University academic who recently returned from scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro is still working tirelessly to raise as much money as possible for a children’s charity after being touched by the emotion of the challenge.

Dr Mark Simpson conquered Africa’s highest mountain alongside former Middlesbrough footballers Colin Cooper and Craig Hignett and Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling.

They were part of an intrepid group raising money for the Finlay Cooper Fund, set up by Colin and his wife Julie in memory of their son, Finlay, who died in a choking accident shortly before his second birthday.

Mark, Dean of the University’s School of Social Sciences & Law, said reaching the summit of the 4,895m mountain was the most physically gruelling experience of his life; though knowing he was raising money for such a worthwhile cause spurred him on.

And Mark is encouraging people to carry on donating money in aid of the trekkers by donating £5 by texting “coop15 £5” to 70070 or visiting Mark's Virgin Money giving page.

Upon reaching the top of the mountain Mark found some heart shaped slate, naturally formed over the years. He handed it to Colin who etched Fin’s name on it and placed it at the summit as a memento for his son.

'That was a really emotional moment and symbolised the reason why we had all set off on this journey', explained Mark.

'The whole group found the climb physically and mentally exhausting, trekking for up to 12 hours a day and having to deal with altitude sickness – there were times when I thought I wouldn’t make it.

'But to reach the summit and see the emotion on everybody’s face made it all worthwhile – it was an incredible experience and one that will stay with me forever.'

In preparation for their mountain mission, the team trained at Teesside University, using the specialist environmental chamber which recreates exact climate conditions. They also used the University’s altitude tent which allowed them to experience air pressures high above sea level.

'Using the fantastic facilities at the University to train for the trip was extremely helpful,” said Mark.

'Nothing can really prepare you for something as momentous as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, but being able to recreate the exact climates and experience altitude pressure, gave us an idea of the kinds of difficult conditions we would be facing.

'The aim has always been to raise as much money as possible. We have all been blown away by people’s generosity and I would just politely appeal for that generosity to continue so we can continue to support this fantastic charity.'

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Visit Mark's Virgin Money giving page