The drain gang conquer Kilimanjaro in huge fundraising effort

Published: 5th December 2013 | Issue 27 Share article:

Simon Bennett, Phil Green and John Wilson, with Darren Wood of Ham Baker

Simon Bennett, Phil Green and John Wilson, with Darren Wood of Ham Baker

Two employees from Saint-Gobain PAM UK and one from Saint-Gobain Weber, both part of international materials company Saint-Gobain, have successfully negotiated the climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, raising more than £17,000 for four different charities.

Battling through altitude sickness, extreme temperatures and fatigue, John Wilson, Phil Green (Saint-Gobain PAM UK) and Simon Bennett (Saint- Gobain Weber), collectively known as ‘The Drain Gang’, reached the Uhuru summit as part of the gruelling seven day trek through the Tanzanian rainforest and mountain foothills. The summit, 19,341ft above sea level, marks Kilimanjaro as the tallest free standing mountain in the world.

John, Phil and Simon took on the Lemosho route, approaching the mountain from the west. At more than 70km in distance, the route provides excellent opportunity for climbers to acclimatise to the altitude. As a result, it has a high success rate of climbers reaching the summit.

The team successfully raised £17,841.88 for four charities: WaterAid, which transforms lives by improving access to safe water; Breast Cancer Care, which supports anyone affected by breast cancer; MacMillan Cancer Support, providing practical, medical and financial support for those battling cancer; and Help for Heroes, a charity to help those who have been wounded in Britain’s current conflicts.

Phil Green said: ‘We went through an intense training regime to prepare for the extreme change in altitude. Despite the number of hours of training we put in, it’s difficult to be 100 per cent ready for the climb. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer challenge of the climb.’

John Wilson added: ‘It was our mental determination, as much as our physical fitness that spurred us on. We had come so far, even when it became difficult we couldn’t give up. We worked as a team and encouraged each other when the going got tough.’

Saint-Gobain PAM UK would like to congratulate John, Phil and Simon for their incredible achievement and their excellent fundraising effort.

PAM Saint-Gobain
Tel: 0115 930 5000
www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk

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