Rainbows Director of Finance takes on world’s highest free-standing mountain

The Director of Finance at Rainbows is lacing up her walking boots to scale the world’s highest free-standing mountain for our charity.

Josie Lee will begin her 5,895 metre climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on Wednesday 9 October. She is aiming to raise £2,500 for us.

Josie (47), says she has stepped up her training over the last four months to incorporate lots of hill walking in the Peak District, as a direct contrast to the flat area where she lives.

“I have wanted to do this challenge for a long time,” said Josie. “And because it was booked in December last year, I feel pretty organised. My Christmas and birthday presents have been gifts like waterproof day packs and water bottles!

“When I signed up, I knew I wanted to raise money, but I didn’t know who for. Then in April this year I got the job as Director of Finance at Rainbows and that gave me a charity that I now feel very passionate about. I know firsthand how the money raised supports babies, children and young people and that every penny benefits their lives.”

Josie’s trek will take six and a half days to climb Africa’s highest mountain, and one and a half days to get down. She will walk through rainforests, glaziers and camp above the clouds.

“Although I feel very prepared, I know the altitude can make things very difficult,” said Josie. “Even though I have tried to get as fit as I can, I am slightly nervous about altitude sickness. I have done all this preparation, but there will always be uncertainty of whether I will complete it.”

Josie will also be paired up in a group with 15 strangers, but she is embracing not knowing anyone.

“It will be a varied group of people and the only thing initially that you have in common is that you all want to climb a mountain,” she said. “But I have heard you bond very quickly and end up supporting each other through the good and the bad times.

“I am so excited to take on this personal challenge and I have the wonderful backing of my husband James and our three daughters.

“Rainbows is such an important charity to so many families and I really hope people will support me in my cause.”

To sponsor Josie, click here.