The 18-people strong team who took part in this year’s Kilimanjaro Challenge reached the peak of the mountain yesterday morning around 0830am (Local Time) (0630 Malta Time).

All members of the contingent are reported to be in good health.

The team is made up of Annaliza Cauchi, Lara Barbuto, Justine Mangion, Nikita Taliana, Alishia Dimech, Stefania Buhagiar, Marthese Zerafa, Samantha Galea, Graziella Sant, Natasha Livori, Austin Cachia, Owen Vassallo, Daniel Farrugia, Brian Cremona, Karl Bartolo, Juan Ellul Pirotta, Chris Criminale and Keith Debattista.

Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, the team took a symbolic photo to commemorate their feat. They also made sure that this commemorative photo included the late Nirvana Azzopardi’s photo. Nirvana Azzopardi’s name will be given to the Kindergarten school project in Ethiopia which will be funded by over €65,000 collected by the team.

Keith Marshall, the person behind the Kilimanjaro Challenge, showed appreciation to God for the successful mission. On behalf of the Missionary Movement ‘Gesu Fil-Proxxmu’ he also thanked all those who supported the initiative.

The Kilimanjaro Challenge is now in its tenth anniversary and the first ascent to the mountain took place eight years ago.

At 5,895 metres above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Extreme heat at the foot of the mountain and extreme cold at the summit, high elevation and occasional high winds make this a difficult and dangerous trek.

Since then, the challenge has seen almost 100 expedition members raising over €500,000.

People can still donate by calling one of these numbers: 51502084 – € 5, 51602028 – €10, 51802095 – €25 or send an SMS to 50617389 for a €2.33 donation or 50618062 for €4.66 donation.