The Kilimanjaro 2010 Appeal was launched by Rifleman Aldridge's mother Lucy, in October 2009 to honour the memory of her young son.
Inspired by the love of his beautiful girlfriend Zeta Price, who wanted to achieve something special in his memory - combining the challenge of climbing a mountain, raising funds through corporate sponsorship, donations and a variety of fundraising events became a most fitting tribute in honour of Williams' bravery and sacrifice. Enabling us to "Continue helping injured soldiers".
We set ourselves a respectable minimum target of £40,000, which, when achieved and hopefully exceeded, will be divided between the RCDM MoD Patient Welfare Fund at Selly Oak & The Riflemans Fund (supporting injured Riflemen & bereaved families).
The climb took place on October 22nd 2010. Zeta was joined by Rifleman Michael L. Perry, one of Williams comrades from 9 Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion The Rifles in this ambitious journey to the summit.
The Mountain, Route and Challenge
Mount Kilimanjaro is in fact a dormant volcano. Its two peaks stand about 11 km (about 7 miles) apart and are connected by a broad ridge. The highest peak, Kibo, rises 5895 m (19,340 ft) above sea level, and the summit of Mawensi is 5149 m (16,892 ft) above sea level.
Mount Kilimanjaro, nicknamed the 'Roof of Africa' is proud to be the highest mountain in all of Africa. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It rises in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal shrubland and is located in northeastern Tanzania, near the border of Kenya, three degrees south of the equator.
This challenging trek took Zeta and Michael along the MACHAME ROUTE, approaching Kilimanjaro from the south, through dense tropical rainforest all the way up to the mighty snowcapped summit at 5895m, for simply breathtaking views. This was a tough but spectacularly rewarding route with steeper ascents than other routes. Reaching the summit gave a real sense of overwhelming achievement. A truly unforgettable challenge.
Sponsorship
Explore situated at 5 Widemarsh Street, Hereford, have most generously agreed to sponsor Zeta's clothing, supplied by Columbia www.columbiasportswear.co.uk required for the Kilimanjaro climb. The Explore team have a wealth of outdoor experience and over the last 20 years have accumulated an impressive portfolio of the industries leading brands, establishing themselves as an essential one-stop shop for the outdoor lover. They have supplied numerous expeditions, requiring survival in some of the world's harshest environments. Please take the time to browse their online store at: www.explorestore.co.uk
Donations were received and charity events held throughout the year to raise as much as possible towards the continued care of injured Service personnel and bereaved military families.
An enormous donation of £5,200 was received via the efforts of a Bromyard pub team who took to the skies with a charity skydive! Full story here: http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/local/8739631.Bromyard_drinkers_fall_for_Kilimanjaro_appeal/
The William Aldridge Foundation has been created to continue and expand on the success of the Kilimanjaro 2010 Appeal, which concluded on completion of the Kilimanjaro Climb - its penultimate event.
