HARPENDEN adventurer and businessman Michael Weaver received a rapturous welcome home after ascending Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, at the beginning of October.

The intrepid 62-year-old set out for the expedition on September 21 and almost reached the top of the 101,000 ft summit with his son, Rob, 22, raising over £16,000 for the charity Whizz-Kidz in the process.

Mr Weaver managing director of C & A Ironmongers in High Street, Harpenden, said: "It was an experience I could not and would not undertake again, but it was totally unforgettable."

He overcame a number of obstacles in order to take part in the climb to the top of the world's highest free-standing mountain range, and even before setting out for the challenge lost around one-and-a-half stone in weight so that he would be fit enough to take part.

The effort was well worth it, despite altitude sickness as the group neared the top of the mountain range.

He said: "That makes it sound all so hard but, on the other hand, it had been so much fun working together with a very friendly crowd of people all trying to help each other."

Around 40 other people attempted the challenge along with Mr Weaver and only a few made it to the very top, including his son, Rob.

The pair have so far raised around £16,000, and sponsorship money is still coming in.

The amount of money raised is a record for the Whizz-Kidz charity, which provides mobility aids for severely disabled children, and Mr Weaver has praised the pupils at St Hilda's School, Douglas Road, Harpenden for their help raising the money.

He said: "The challenge was only made possible by the generosity of so many people in Harpenden."

October 30, 2001 13:53

By Claire Ling