Two long time friends succeeded today in their quest to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and raise important funds for Exmouth RNLI.

Avid adventurers Darren Strode and Andy Beake, both from Exmouth, donned their climbing boots and flew off to Tanzania on 14 January to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro in order to raise much needed funds for the local RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea.

Their expedition started on 16 January, a day earlier than planned, and took the mountaineers eight hard and difficult days of climbing to conquer the 5895 metre (19,341 feet) peak of the highest free standing mountain in the world, reaching the summit this morning 23 January 2022.

In an email to Exmouth RNLI today, Darren, a Sales Manager, said "We managed to set off on the trek a day early and have just got back to the hotel after reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro this morning. It was a tough climb but both Andy and I successfully made it to the peak. It was an amazing journey and we are so proud to be flying the flag for Exmouth RNLI."

"We both live in Exmouth and both ourselves, family and friends all use the beach and water sports activities. We set our sights on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro this year and thought what better way to use the opportunity than to help raise funds for our local RNLI lifesavers."

Des White, Chair of Exmouth RNLI Fundraising Team, said "I never doubted Darren and Andy's enthusiasm to take on and succeed in reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It really is an incredible achievement and I must congratulate them on their determination and success on completing this arduous, difficult and dangerous feat. On behalf of all our volunteers at Exmouth RNLI, I'd like to say a big thank you to them both for raising funds for us – thank you, and very well done!"

You can still support Darren and Andy and help them raise funds for Exmouth RNLI at this link.