SCA Timber Supply’s, Richard Inskip, has successfully climbed the world’s highest free-standing mountain, raising funds for Stoke-on-Trent charity, Douglas Macmillan.

Richard, his brother, and a group of six others, collectively raised nearly £27,000 through sponsorship and fundraising events held in the months prior to defeating the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania.

Quality assurance co-ordinator, Richard, endured some gruelling weather conditions during the seven day trek. “It was pretty tough,” comments Richard. “The first few days of the climb were hard, but the incredible views kept us going.

The summit climb was by far the most difficult part as we experienced wind chill of -40° combined with high altitude and lack of oxygen, but we had amazing team spirit to carry us all to the top.”

To raise funds prior to the climb, Richard and his team held a number of fun fundraising evenings, SCA held a Christmas Jumper day in December across all three of its sites, and Richard even grew an impressive beard for the seven months preceding the ascent.

Douglas Macmillan provides hospice services free of charge to adults with life-limiting illnesses in the North Staffordshire area and also provides supportive care for their families and carers. This is the second time Richard has embarked on this personal challenge in honour of his late parents, who were both cared for at the hospice.