Mount Kilimanjaro trek raises money for Autism Jersey

Friday 15 August 2014

Islanders have raised £63,000 for Autism Jersey by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

It took eight days for the 28-strong party to reach the 19,336 ft summit and the highest point of the African continent.

 The team’s efforts resulted in a considerable donation to Autism Jersey which will be set towards the charity’s new £1.5 million purpose-built centre which is joint initiative with the States of Jersey.

Autism Jersey operations and business development manager, Heather McLelland, who was also one of the trekkers, said: “The money that has been raised will make a huge difference to us and the work that we can do to help people on the autistic spectrum in Jersey. We’d like to thank JT for their sponsorship of the challenge and for their ongoing support which is making a significant impact on our own fundraising efforts.”

Sponsoring the Kilimanjaro Trek formed part of the telecoms operator’s three-year support for autism charities around the world. As well as sponsoring the challenge, JT also matched the funds raised by trekker Rosemary Parker who is the customer relationship coordinator at JT and who blogged about the experience while in Africa.

Daragh McDermott, Director of Corporate Affairs of JT said: “We are very pleased that the JT Kilimanjaro Trek was such a huge success for all involved. Not only was this a rewarding challenge for those who took part, but the trekkers exceeded their initial target of £50,000 to make this significant donation to Autism Jersey.”