Daring duo in Kili climb

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Luke and David at the top of Mount Kilamanjaro

Two childhood friends from Surrey have helped keep the county’s Air Ambulance flying by climbing the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

 

Former scouts Luke Rendell and Dave Smith raised enough money to help the helicopter save a life by scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro in eastern Africa.

 

In total they raised £2,750 for the charity which needs £1.7m a year to stay airborne. Each flying mission alone costs between £1,500 and £2,000.

 

The pair are pictured at the peak of the 19,340ft mountain unfurling a special Surrey Air Ambulance T-shirt emblazoned with the words Kilamanjaro Climb 2010.

 

Luke, from Walton, said: “It was an incredible challenge because not everyone gets to the top. Statistically we are in the age and gender group that are least likely to achieve it.

 

“The most amazing bit was when we realised we were near the summit. That’s when we thought, ‘Yes, we’re going to make it’.

 

The duo, who have been best friends since Oaklands primary school, started training last August by running, swimming and walking to build up their stamina and strengthen their leg muscles.

 

Some hikes involved carrying a 12kg bag of cement in their backpacks over Boxhill on the North Downs ahead of their amazing feat in January.

 

David, from Weybridge, added: “The hardest part was on day four when we left for the summit at midnight. It took us seven hours and 20minutes to get there.

 

“We spent 20 minutes taking photos at the top and then started our descent which was another three hours back to the point we left at midnight.

 

“We slept there for about an hour then packed up all our stuff and moved on across the Alpine desert for four hours.”

 

Luke and Dave, both 23, recently visited the Surrey Air Ambulance crew at Dunsfold near Guildford to hand over their cheque to pilot Captain Peter Driver, Dr Kyle Jacques and paramedic Natalie Brodrick.

 

The musicians raised more than their target sum of £2,000 by putting on a concert at Ruby’s wine bar in Walton and thanks to a donation by Willow Lodge Masons.

 

Guitar teacher Luke also donated a week’s tuition for free while Dave, a Metropolitan Police detention officer, drummed up sponsorship.

 

Surrey County Fundraiser Julie Jenkinson said: “These two lads are fantastic, especially as they self-funded their trip so that all money raised could come to the charity. 

 

“They are so chuffed to have achieved the climb and the amount of £2,750 which was higher than their target. I’m so pleased for them - what an amazing experience.”

 

If you would like to sponsor Luke and Dave visit www.justgiving.com/kili2010