When she climbs Mount Kilimanjaro from August 7 to August 12 2015, 13-year-old Olivia Maiden of Poulton, Lancashire, will remember her sister, Florence, who died shortly after her first birthday.
Olivia Maiden will be one of the youngest people ever to scale the mountain.
My Quick Update:
In August 2015, 13-year-old Olivia Maiden from Poulton, Lancashire, undertook a remarkable journey up Mount Kilimanjaro to honour her late sister, Florence. Key points include:
- Purposeful Ascent: Olivia aimed to raise funds for Helen & Douglas House in Oxford, the hospice that provided care for her sister and support to their family.
- Personal Motivation: Florence was diagnosed with Leigh’s Disease, a rare condition affecting the central nervous system, and passed away shortly after her first birthday.
- Family Support: Accompanied by her father, Dan, who had previously summited Kilimanjaro in 2011, Olivia was supported by a team including two guides, a cook, and up to ten porters.
- Fundraising Success: Through her climb, Olivia successfully raised over £6,000 for the hospice, giving back to the institution that had provided invaluable support during her sister's illness.
Olivia's inspiring journey demonstrates how personal loss can be transformed into a powerful force for good. Inspired to take on your own challenge? Let's read more about Olivia and her attempt!
Olivia Maiden is some way behind the youngest, six-year-old Coltan Tanner who summited in 2018 and seven-year-old Keats Boyd who held the youngest person to summit Kilimanjaro before Coltan, but still part of the most select of bands.
Olivia's father, Dan, will accompany her, along with two guides, a cook, and as many as 10 porters. Dan Maiden previously climbed the mountain in 2011.
Olivia Maiden and her dad Dan on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The reason behind Olivia Maiden climbing Kilimanjaro
Olivia Maiden will climb Kilimanjaro to raise money for Helen & Douglas House in Oxford, the hospice that cared for her sister and supported her family.
One source of support was the hospice’s Elephant Club, which arranges fun trips for children affected by illness, such as Olivia and her brother, George.
Olivia Maiden enthused that this establishment gave Florence “the best last moments of her life, in the spa room with the jacuzzi, in the art room and many other brilliant places.… I would really like to give back to Helen & Douglas House.” More than £6,000 has been raised.
The short life of Florence Maiden - the sister of Olivia Maiden
Olivia’s sister, Florence, grew sick shortly after her birth, which doctors initially dismissed but later realised was Leigh’s Disease, a rare condition which affects the central nervous system.
It causes loss of mental and movement abilities and can cause death from respiratory failure. Florence died on November 28 2008.
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Olivia Maiden always knew she could do it
Olivia Maiden concedes that she is “not a natural at sport,” but she does like climbing mountains and she believes she’s somewhat determined.
John Baugh, the headmaster of the Dragon School, which Olivia attends as a boarding pupil, remarked that he was not in the least surprised that Olivia will climb Kilimanjaro as she has displayed “a huge amount” of creativity and determination as she helped others and raised awareness of significant issues since arriving at the school five years ago.
He added that everyone at the school is “immensely proud of her.” Olivia Maiden climbed Mount Snowdon in 2011 and Ben Nevis in 2014.
So Olivia Maiden will climb Kilimanjaro for charity, and you can help. Donations can be made online.
My Final Thoughts
What an inspiring story about climbing Kilimanjaro for charity. What do you think? Would you do soemthing like this? Let me know in the comments below.
Also, check out some other inspiring Kilimanjaro news:
- DJ Seth Troxler journeys to the Roof Of Africa for charity
- Nepali mountaineer Sanjay Pandit climbs Kilimanjaro backwards
- Tanzania's plans to build Kilimanjaro cable car receive a lot of laughs
- How to charge camera batteries while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- Even camels can be found atop the Roof of Africa
