Pictured above: Mike Walton and Natalie Aldred outside Rapid
Remap
Two daring local businesswomen will be scaling the heights of
Mount Kilimanjaro next month in a bid to raise much-needed funds
for Compton Hospice.
Natalie Aldred, 26, from Cannock, and Gill Fitzpatrick, 50, from
Handsacre, will be jetting off to Africa on 30th July to begin
their ascent up to Kilimanjaro's 5,895 Metre summit.
The pair hope to raise at least £7500 for Compton Hospice,
and expect their climb to last 10 gruelling days.
Gill, Owner of The Local Book Keeper, Accounting Service in
Hednesford, who lost her mother in a hospice, explains her
motivation for this expedition:
"I know from first-hand experience what a fantastic support
structure hospices provide for patients and their families.
Hospices like the Compton are only 10 per cent funded by
government, and rely on donations from the public to keep their
doors open each year," said Gill.
"Compton, and other hospices, offer crucial care to cancer
patients, that otherwise would not be available," added Natalie,
Owner of Express Advertising in Hednesford.
The plucky duo will be sponsored every step of the way by
Cannock-based, automotive specialists, Rapid Remap, who specialise
in reprogramming vehicle engine computer systems to save drivers up
to 20 per cent on fuel.
The company's Managing Director, Mike Walton, has a strong
affinity with the cause, as his mother lost her battle with cancer
in a hospice.
As a result, the three entrepreneurs decided to join forces and
raise funds after being touched by the care their families
received.
"Like Gill, my mother died in a hospice. The nursing staff there
were like angels on earth, giving physical and emotional support at
a time of great distress," said Mr Walton
"The Compton is a local hospice offering essential care and
support to our local community, as such I see it as a very
worthwhile cause, and one I am happy to support in whatever way I
can," added Mr Walton.
Wolverhampton-based Compton Hospice cares for as many as 1.3
million cancer sufferers each year. The hospice has to raise over
£6 million each year to maintain end of life support and
other related services.