23 trekkers conquered Kilimanjaro and raised £237,000
23 trekkers. One mountain. £237,000 raised.
One extraordinary achievement.
After months of preparation, fundraising and anticipation, the Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro team has completed one of the world’s toughest trekking challenges, pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits in support of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
The challenge was the brainchild of Greenfingers Ambassador, Kate Ebbens, who brought together colleagues and friends from across the horticultural industry and beyond, under one ambitious goal: to take on Africa’s highest mountain and raise vital funds for a new Greenfingers garden.
A total of 23 were united by a shared purpose to help create a magical therapeutic garden at Naomi and Jack’s, a children’s hospice in Winchester, for children with life-limiting conditions, their families and carers.
Over eight days on the demanding Lemosho Route, the team tackled the immense challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching altitudes of 5,895 metres at Uhuru Peak and experiencing some of the most extreme conditions.
The journey tested every aspect of endurance. Trekking for up to ten hours a day, the team faced freezing overnight temperatures, thinning oxygen levels, relentless climbs, exhaustion, altitude-related illness, aching muscles and sleepless nights. As they climbed higher, communication with family, friends and supporters became increasingly limited, with only brief updates from the mountain capturing fragments of an extraordinary experience.
While the challenge demanded everything of them physically and mentally, it also delivered unforgettable moments – breathtaking sunrises above the clouds, shared laughter in camp after long days on the mountain, encouragement offered at exactly the right moment, and the deep bonds formed through a truly shared experience.
Throughout the expedition, one constant remained - the spirit of One Team. One Dream. No matter how far individuals were able to go on the mountain, every member of the team played a vital role in the journey, supporting one another and contributing to a collective achievement far greater than any single summit.
The defining moment came in the early hours of 18th June, as the team made their final ascent from Barafu Camp. Setting off shortly after midnight, they climbed through darkness, bitter cold and thinning air before reaching the highest point in Africa as dawn broke across the continent.
A lasting legacy
Their achievement marks the culmination of an outstanding fundraising effort, with the team now raising more than £237,000, with donations continuing to grow each day.
The funds will help create a brand-new therapeutic garden at Naomi and Jack’s children’s hospice, designed by acclaimed garden designer Helen Elks-Smith. The garden will provide a beautiful, accessible outdoor sanctuary where children with life-limiting conditions, their siblings and families can spend precious time together away from clinical surroundings.
Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chair of Greenfingers Charity, said: "What this team has achieved is nothing short of remarkable. Kilimanjaro is an immense physical and mental challenge that demands everything of those who take it on.
Every member of the team showed outstanding resilience, courage and determination, and together they truly embodied exceptional team spirit. Their commitment to one another throughout the expedition was inspiring, and because of their efforts another Greenfingers garden will become a reality for children and families who need it most."
Kate Ebbens, of Woodlodge and originator of the Kilimanjaro challenge, said: "When we first talked about taking on Kilimanjaro, we hoped it would bring people from across our industry together to do something special for Greenfingers Charity, and seeing that idea become reality has been very meaningful.
During the challenge, the team and I adopted the strapline ‘One Team. One Dream.’, and it quickly became the heartbeat of our journey. Kilimanjaro tests you in every possible way, physically, mentally and emotionally, but what carried us through was the strong support we gave one another. Every day someone needed encouragement, and every day someone was there to give it.
This challenge was never about individual achievement. Instead it was about coming together as one team to create something lasting for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Knowing our efforts will help bring the Naomi and Jack’s garden to life makes every step on that mountain worthwhile, and I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has achieved together."
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added: "Watching this journey unfold has been truly special from start to finish. From the first conversations through to training walks, fundraising milestones and finally the expedition itself, this team has shown exceptional commitment and spirit.
They have demonstrated what can be achieved when an industry and friends come together behind a shared purpose. Their determination, generosity and support for one another has been remarkable, and thanks to them, another Greenfingers garden will soon become a reality for children and families who need it most.
We are now within touching distance of £250,000, and we would love to see this inspiring team reach that milestone together."
Help the team reach £250,000
The Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro team has now raised more than £237,000, with donations still coming in daily.
Every donation will help bring the Naomi and Jack’s therapeutic garden to life, creating a magical therapeutic outdoor space where children with life-limiting conditions and their families can enjoy precious moments together.
To sponsor the team, click here: Kilimanjaro Trek 2026 - JustGiving Kilimanjaro Trek 2026 - JustGiving
Meet the Killi Trekkers
- Kate Ebbens, Woodlodge, Greenfingers Ambassador
- Heidi Baylis Towse, Greenfingers Trustee and Blue Diamond
- Phillippa Stubbs and Libby Stubbs of British Garden Centres
- Greenfingers Ambassador, Bob Marley
- Alexa Blackmore from The Gardens Group
- Matt Jones of Sipcam and his partner Nicola
- Matthew Rowlandson, Dobsons
- Daniel and Jodie Rowlandson, Team Max Foundation
- Tara Adams from Woodmansterne
- Nicole and David Higginson of New Leaf Plants
- Richard Howard of Doddington Nurseries along with Tia Blunt
- Johan Huibers from Huibers Co.
- Richard Quarmby from AKN Build
- Thomas Forsyth from AKN Build
- Helen Taylor from Allan Morris Estate Agents
- Tammy Woodhouse, Greenfingers Trustee
- Rene Assies of Assies
- Jess Dollimore of Ruxley Manor