Pair to summit Kilimanjaro in memory of Portland boy

Robert Hathway, 46, and Mark Rodgers, 51, will be summiting one of the tallest mountains in the world later this month - Kilimanjaro in Tanzania - which is a gruelling six-day climb - in memory of Kyle Spence, a Portland boy who sadly died at 15 of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in September 2020.

The pair - who are friends of Kyle’s parents - wanted to do something to honour his memory and raise money for the Starlight Ward at Bristol Children’s Hospital which provided his care.

Mr Hathway – a driver for Weyline Taxis – said: “I wanted to do something for a long time in honour of Kyle and his amazing courage, but due to Covid I was unable to. Now, it's a different story.

“We chose to do Kilimanjaro as we both wanted a bigger challenge. So to do it in memory of Kyle Spence, as we are friends with the parents, means so much. I am not going to lie I am feeling nervous, this is by far the toughest thing I've done.

"We want to say thank you to the hospital for looking after Kyle, as well as all the other poorly children in their care."

Kyle was born in 2004 with his twin brother Charlie to mum, Eve Taylor and dad, Lee Spence who live on Portland.

“Sadly, Kyle became ill and had a very long battle with acute myeloid leukaemia. He was amazingly tough and fought a great fight. The Starlight Ward at Bristol's Hospital for Children cared for Kyle, who sadly lost his fight in September 2020,” said Mr Hathway.

“I believe in paying back. Paying back those who help to save and care for our children. That's my passion. I've raised for charities in the past, but this one is for friends of ours.”

Mr Hathway, from Portland and Mr Rodgers, from Weymouth, are experienced trekkers, having both completed the Three Peaks Challenge for the NPCC. However, Kilimanjaro will be their biggest challenge yet.

Both have been training almost daily; Mr Hathway goes to the gym five times a week with 25kg weights on his back, whilst Mr Rodgers cycles 150 miles per week. Not to mention all the miles they have walked in preparation, including from Portland to West Bay, and Weymouth to Lulworth Cove and back.

They will be departing for Kilimanjaro from Heathrow on Friday, January 27 and will start their climb on Sunday, January 29. The 6,000-metre climb will take them six days to complete.

So far the pair have raised £4,045, just £1,000 shy of their target of £5,000. Those looking to support the fundraiser can find the donation page on JustGiving - Justgiving.com/fundraising/kili4kyle23

Mr Hathway would like to express his thanks to his boss at Weyline Taxis, Ian Furgeson for covering the cost of the challenge.