Tony’s epic climb for a cause

The trek was nothing short of an epic adventure. 

Kilimanjaro threw everything at him – breathtaking scenery, harsh conditions and a mental and physical challenge like no other. Sleep was scarce, averaging just four hours a night. On summit night, Tony managed only 30 to 60 minutes of rest before starting the final push at 11.00pm. For eight and a half hours, he battled steep inclines, thinning oxygen, and freezing temperatures. By the time he reached the summit at 7.20am, the air held just 50% oxygen and the temperature had plunged to minus 13 degrees with a biting wind chill.

After 40 minutes at the top, standing proudly at 5,895 metres and reading that iconic sign, Tony began the gruelling descent – six hours of steep decline to camp, followed by another 14 kilometres the next day. His knees, thighs and hips were pushed to the limit.

So what kept him going? “The will to succeed and not let myself down,” Tony says. “I didn’t want to let down the people who supported the cause, or face my work colleagues and friends if I didn’t make it!”

Despite the pain points, there were moments of pure joy. The excitement of each milestone, the thrill of summiting and the sense of achievement when he finally walked back through the national park gates.

Tony’s determination is inspiring, and his fundraising will help us provide meals and support to thousands of Western Australians facing food stress. Every dollar counts, and Tony’s climb shows the incredible things people can do when they care about their community.

Want to support Tony’s effort? Donations are still open, and every contribution helps us feed, educate, and advocate for those in need.