Maltese group conquers Kilimanjaro

A group of 11 Maltese has successfully climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and is now on its way down.

The group is on the sixth Kilimanjaro Challenge, which since 2005 has raised well over €300,000 for charity.

Their aim this time is to raise €51,000 for the building of a much needed clinic in the remote Ethiopian village of Karro.

The group left Malta on Sunday week and its intensive training paid off, with a 100% success rate in the 5,893m metre climb to the peak of Africa's highest mountain.

The Kilimanjaro Challenge has so far raised funds for a school and a convent in Kenya and for a Maltese patient who was helped to overcome the consequences of meningitis.

The climbers, aged between 21 and 50, started their physical training six months ago. They were also trained in the use of their equipment and in how to deal with emergencies.

The Labour Party in a statement congratulated the group.

Those wishing to make a donation to the cause may do so at HSBC account number 0612 4933 0001 or Bank of Valletta number 4001 9279 620.