Dean Rawnsley from Norfolk has his sights set sky high as he tackles one of the biggest physical challenges possible. With his faithful companion, the Trekking Penguin, he will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the Breast Cancer Unit at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lyn, Norfolk in February 2017.

Mr Rawnsley, 57, was inspired to climb the mountain for the Breast Cancer Unit, after his wife was cared for by the local hospital in 2014. Mrs Marie Rawnsley received a breast cancer diagnosis, although happily has since made a full recovery. The couple were so moved by the care shown, they decided to raise funds for others who are facing similar circumstances.

The climb is being fully sponsored by Dean’s employer, our sister company, Foster Refrigerator. Having worked at Foster for 19 years, colleagues at the King’s Lynn factory were delighted to support him when they learnt of his ambitions plans in aid of the local hospital.

In preparation for the expedition in February, Mr Rawnsley recently climbed Ben Nevis with five of his colleagues who work throughout the organisation. The group faced harsh conditions of rain and gusts of wind up to 40mph. Dean has been undertaking a gruelling training regime leading up to the event including walking, running and cycling, to reach the level of fitness required for such a challenge.

Dean Rawnsley said: “This really is a challenge but I aim, with the benefit of my Trekking Penguin, to raise £3,500 for the hospital unit. There is no way that I would have been able to climb Kilimanjaro without the support of Foster. They have been incredibly generous and my wife and I really do appreciate it. I know all of the team are behind me, and they showed that when they climbed Ben Nevis with me!

“I look forward to letting everyone know how we get on early next year. The thought of handing over the money to the team at The Queen Elizabeth hospital will get me up there - no matter what!”

Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon Amy Burger has wished Mr Rawnsley every success for his Climb. She said: “I would like to thank Mr Rawnsley for taking on such a tremendous challenge to support the Breast Unit.

“Since opening in May, the new West Norfolk Breast Unit, half funded by the fundraising efforts of patients, families and staff, has proved to be a big success. Previously, the team had to share facilities but now we have a dedicated unit with spacious clinic and examination rooms along with counselling facilities.

“The first few months have gone really well, all the staff are happy with the unit and we have received excellent feedback from patients, who have been really impressed. There are a number of further and ongoing improvements that we want to be able to offer patients in the future, and this will only be possible with the help of charitable donations, so again thank you!”

To follow the adventure of Dean and the Trekking Penguin, visit the Just Giving page or follow them on Facebook - Dean and Trekking Penguin.