Michelin’s Heywood takes family up Kilimanjaro in charity climb

A Michelin employee and his family are preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in a bid to raise vital funds for international development charity Transaid. Guy Heywood, commercial director of Michelin’s UK truck and bus tyre division, will be joined by his wife Helen and sons Max and Joe on the six day climb. At only 11 years and 11 months old, Joe would be the youngest ever Briton to reach the summit of the mountain, making the trip extra special for the family.

Heywood said: “Both boys wanted to do something for charity this year and Joe has always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro. It seemed liked a great way to enjoy an adventure as a family whilst raising as much money as possible for a very special charity.

“We’re quite a sporty family and I have taken part in a number of Transaid’s African cycle challenges in previous years, but this time it will be great to be raising money alongside my wife and sons. We’re really looking forward to the climb although we know it will be a challenge, especially with the very real risk of altitude sickness!”

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania, famous for being the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. At 19,341 feet above sea level, trekkers taking on Kilimanjaro are warned they may suffer considerable discomfort due to the altitude and cold, including shortage of breath, hypothermia, and headaches.
In preparation for the expedition the family scaled Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon, in June, completing the climb in an impressive 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Heywood will also be returning to the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2015 when he and a team of three colleagues from Michelin will cycle 400 kilometre across Tanzania after signing up to compete in Transaid’s most challenging group fundraising event yet.

To sponsor the Heywood family visit http://www.justgiving.com/Heywood-TRANSAIDKILI2014