Having completed the Three Peaks challenge two years ago, two employees at local company, Mulberry, have gained a taste for adventure and will now be taking on the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro, to raise money for the RUH and the company’s charity of the year, Time is Precious.

Between them, they are hoping to raise £8,200 for the two causes.

Jill Cox and Emma Holcombe will be taking on the enormous challenge from 24th August until 2nd September. Jill explains: “Emma and I completed the Three Peaks in 2015, with a group from Mulberry and raised money for Jessie May, the Children’s Hospice at Home service.

“We so enjoyed the experience and raising money for a worthwhile charity, that when I lost my Dad early last year and I wanted to raise funds for the Cardiology Department in Bath’s Royal United Hospital, we discussed Kilimanjaro as a challenge and felt we could raise a lot of money with such a huge feat.

“Mulberry’s charity of the year is Time is Precious, which helps children and their families with prolonged stays in hospital, and so we were more than happy to fundraise for this amazing charity, too.

“We are both very excited about climbing Kilimanjaro, and cannot believe it is actually going to happen – the thought of the money we will raise is so exciting.

“We are both quite active; running, walking, taking part in Zumba classes and going to the gym. Frome Sports Centre have been very supportive; giving me a gym membership and also donating a raffle prize.

“We have run various events so far, and have more planned for the next couple of months. We are currently selling tickets for a 100-Prize Raffle to be drawn on 16th March at The Vobster Inn in the evening, for which we are still looking for prizes. Tickets can be purchased from myself or on Facebook via Messenger. Please get in touch if you can help provide raffle prizes.

“We also held a cake sale in the RUH’s atrium in February, and are due to hold two more on 16th March and then the 20th April, so if anyone is able to make cakes or assist with ingredients, that would be really helpful.

“Mulberry have been very supportive as a company and their employees have helped us with Mufti days, book sales and sponsorship.

“We held a 5K Fun Run and Walk on 23rd February, beginning and ending at the Centurion Hotel, Midsomer Norton, who kindly hosted us, and we are due to have another one on April 6th.

“The venue of Frome Football Club is also booked for Saturday, 19th May for a Band Night, but the band I hoped to book are already committed elsewhere, so I am looking for bands to play – if anyone is available or has any contacts, please let me know – we would love to hear from you!”

If any readers can help with the above, please contact Jill on: 01761 234582 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Readers who would like to donate can do so at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/MulberryKilimanjaro