A WOMAN from Wokingham who lost her childhood friend to blood cancer will be scaling new heights to raise money for charity.
Rachel Jones, 38, who lives in Woosehill, met Natalie Porter in 1989 when they were both pupils at The Emmbrook School, and was left devastated when her best friend lost her brave battle to Hodgkin lymphoma in May of this year.
But Rachel has vowed to put her sadness to one side and focus on one of the most gruelling physical challenges she has ever faced – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.
Planning consultant Rachel, who sets off to Tanzania today (Friday) said: “I am quite anxious about the whole thing really, I just went to get on with it now.
“The trip lasts for 12 days, which includes eight days of trekking and climbing. I play hockey so I have been getting my fitness up and I have been training on the gym, so I hope I have done enough training. Mentally I am completely ready, I am just not looking forward to the idea of not showering for eight days!”
Rachel, who has so far raised more than £5,300 for Bloodwise, which supports patients and invests in research for various blood cancers including lymphoma and leukaemia, said the generosity of the people who have sponsored her will keep her going.
She said: “It’s been quite overwhelming really, I have been sponsored by people who I haven’t seen since school, it’s been amazing.
“Nat was diagnosed when she was seven months pregnant with her daughter Darcey, so I feel she was just dealt a really bad hand. She fought for two-and-a-half years but we sadly lost her earlier this year.
“She was so glamourous and sophisticated, I am sure she would be looking at me now like ‘what are you doing?’ but I know she would understand why I am doing it.
“I just can’t wait to get to the top and take a picture at the top of Africa and show everyone what I have achieved. I am so excited.”
To sponsor Rachel visit www.justgiving.com/RachKili.
