HEIDI Berry from Newent is preparing to take on her biggest charity fundraiser yet as she gets ready to climb Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, in memory of her brother-in-law.

Heidi, 48, who works in a day nursery will set off on January 19 along the Lemosho route up the Western breach of the mountain to the 3,962m (13,000ft) Shira Plateau, in Tanzania to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice who provided end-of-life to her brother-in-law, Ian Berry, just over two years ago.

“Ian was a larger than life character,” shares Heidi. “He was a car salesman with the gift of the gab, everyone knew him. He went into hospital for an x-ray on his wrist when they discovered he had bone cancer which had sadly spread.

“Ian fought hard for two years, but at the start of Covid he became really unwell and was admitted to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

“The staff there were just fantastic and brilliant with Ian’s wife, Sally, too. They were so supportive, you couldn’t fault them,” she added.

Heidi’s trek in aid of the hospice will last seven days - five days up and two days down. “I am not an athlete by any means, I am just a typical mum, but I just decided that I needed to do something different,” Heidi said.

“I have always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro, it’s on my bucket list, so I thought why not raise some money and raise awareness of Sue Ryder at the same time – Sally was really supportive of the idea too, so that was it from there it was all systems go!

“I am really looking forward to it but at the same time, it is such a big challenge for me! To help prepare,

“I started off working on my hill walking and then onto cardio to help with my breathing. I’ve climbed Snowdon twice now as part of my training,” she added.

In a bid to help with fundraising for the big climb, Heidi, with the support of those who knew and loved Ian, has hosted a number of community events.

“I have held raffles and people have been so kind in donating some incredible prizes, for example, Ian owned a caravan in Brean Sands and they donated a luxury stay there.

“In October 2021, I held a Peaky Blinders themed event, where everybody dressed up.

“The Newent Circle Club has been brilliant letting us have the hall for free and the local fish and chip shop did us a fish supper. It was a really good night and we raised more than £1,000.

“I also held a bingo night in June 2022 and a 70s disco more recently in October.”

Heidi and her family and friends recently took part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Walk Cheltenham, a 5k or 10k walk under the stars around Cheltenham in memory of a loved one too.

Matt Reay, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “A huge thank you to Heidi, and the Newent community who have supported her, for their commitment to supporting our hospice.

“All funds raised will help us to provide even more expert and compassionate care, ensuring that the end of people’s lives can be filled with friendship, family and love in those final moments together.

“We wish Heidi so much luck with her biggest fundraising feat yet, taking on Kilimanjaro in the New Year.”

To find out more about Heidi’s fundraising and keep up-to-date with her events visit Heidi’s Kilimanjaro Fundraising Page on Facebook. You can donate to her fundraising total at: justgiving.com/fundraising/heidiberry-kilimanjaro?