Fundraising begins for Kilimanjaro attempt in memory of 26-year-old

Market Harborough's Peaker Park Care Village has launched its own fundraising challenge to pay tribute to a young resident who recently lost his battle with cancer, which will include scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro.

In memory of Andrew Brown, who spent the last six weeks of his life at the care home, 23-year-old Laura Brown has begun training for the hike, after fundraising was kickstarted by a £250 donation from the care provider.

Commenting on the challenge ahead, Laura says: “Andrew was shy, quiet and lovely and he was unassuming. He never wanted to make a fuss.

“The reason I am doing this is to take something positive out of what happened. The charity was very close to Andrew’s heart, they paid for him to go to the British GP at Silverstone and the care home were really good as well.”

Having been diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumour, known as ganglioglioma, in February 2013, Andrew passed away in September 2014, aged 26.

Nurse Nadia Jacinto, who cared for Andrew, says: “We made Andrew feel as settled as possible including steps like having an Xbox in his room. He was a wonderful man and we’re glad to be able to help Laura with her fundraising.”

Laura adds: “We can’t really say enough about the care he got at Peaker Park, they were excellent. When we had to leave him at night we didn’t worry because the nurses were so good.”

Hiking up Africa’s tallest mountain, Laura is aiming to reach 5,895 metres above sea level after she flies out on September 24. Any funds raised will go to the CLIC Sargent charity, which specialises in supporting children and young people with cancer. Laura is hoping that businesses might be persuaded to take up collection pots for the cause.

Visit www.justgiving.com/laurabrown14 to donate