Swindon label firm help climb the fundraising mountain for charity Kilimanjaro trek

Swindon specialist label printers Eclipse Labels, has pledged to help their Quality Assurance Quality Control Manager, Kerry Abbott, to conquer her fundraising mountain ahead of climbing Kilimanjaro in aid of Prospect Hospice.

Due to the financial pressures put upon businesses and individuals as a result of Covid-19, Kerry was increasingly aware of not being able to ask friends and contacts for support.  So, Eclipse stepped in and has pledged that for every order placed, they would donate £5 to Kerry’s target.

Kerry, from Wroughton, signed up for the Kilimanjaro trek in November 2019 and has been training since.  Due to Covid-19, the trek has been postponed to January 2022, however this gives her additional time to train and reach her fundraising target of £2,000.

Kerry said: “I’ve completed a lot of smaller challenges to raise money for charity; I’ve done Prospect’s Starlight Walks in the past and last year I did the 100km Race to the Stones for Help for Heroes.  When I saw the Kilimanjaro trek, I knew it was something I wanted to do, especially in support of such a great charity, which has supported my family in the past.  The things they do and go through every day are wonderful and it’s so much more than just end of life care.

“When Covid hit, I realised that fundraising would be difficult, even now with the extra time as the trek has been pushed back a year, as everyone needs all the pennies they have.  However, with the donation from Eclipse on every order I hope to be able to hit my target and maybe even raise more!”

Kerry has been training by climbing the peaks of Great Britain, most recently conquering Ben Nevis.  She has also climbed Pen Y Fan a number of times and plans to tackle Snowdon and the complete Three Peaks challenge in the coming year.  However, the challenge it not just physical but also mental.

Kerry continued: “I’ve never travelled or been on an aeroplane alone before, so the complete experience including flying to Tanzania will be a challenge for me.  I’m doing everything I can to be prepared for it, but it’s also the altitude change that you just can’t prepare for.  When I get to Kilimanjaro I will be walking 6 or 7 hours a day over a week on very different terrain.  Luckily, they provide everything we need to climb Kilimanjaro safely so we’ll be taking it slowly to allow us to acclimatise.” 

Sheryl Crouch, head of income at Prospect Hospice said: “This is a wonderful idea from Eclipse Labels to help Kerry reach her fundraising target, we really appreciate this ongoing support towards the work of the hospice from both them and Kerry at this time. The Kilimanjaro trek is a great challenge and I hope Kerry enjoys every minute when the time comes to get those walking boots on.

“With our events cancelled and our shops closed earlier this year, it’s been a difficult time for those fundraising for us so we’re excited to see innovative ways such as this that means the money still comes in and we’re able to continue to support those at the end of their lives with our specialist care.”

Eclipse Labels is based at Equity Trade Centre, Hobley Drive, Swindon.  They provide a world-leading service in the design and print of security labels, promotional self adhesive stickers and specialist labels for the food and drink sectors.  By using the latest equipment and technology, Eclipse can provide cost-savings and impressive turnaround times on both short and long run production. To find out more about Eclipse Labels, visit www.eclipselabels.com.

To sponsor Kerry, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KerryAbbott2