Dad and daughter conquer Kilimanjaro for loved one

News imageSteve Haysom A group of five people stood on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in front of a wooden sign with yellow writing. The middle two men are holding the flag of Guernsey, and a woman at the back right has her hand in the air with a wide smile on her face.Steve Haysom
The group scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of Rose Haysom who died in February 2025

A group has raised more than £23,000 for a hospice by climbing Africa's highest mountain.

The challenge was completed in memory of Rose Haysom, from Guernsey, who died aged 26 in February 2025 after being diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer.

Her father Steve and sister Lily were part of a five-person team who took on Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching its 19,341ft (5,895m) summit after eight days on what would have been her 28th birthday on 20 September.

The family said they wanted to give something back to the staff and volunteers of Les Bourgs Hospice, where Rose was cared for during her final week.

Steve said the challenge was tougher than he expected but "great fun".

"In my head, I just had one foot in front of the other, which literally is all I did for about eight days," he said.

"It was a great achievement, we all managed to get there in the end."

Lily said completing the challenge in Rose's memory had been "very special" and it had been "incredible" to do it with her father.

News imageSteve Haysom A group of seven people with walking poles, coats, hats and backpacks on scaling a Rocky Mountain face above the clouds with a sunset on the horizon.Steve Haysom
They reached the 19,341ft (5,895m) summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in eight days

Rose documented her experience of living with cancer on Instagram and encouraged people to enjoy the good days.

Her family said her "strength, courage and attitude to life" helped motivate them to reach the summit.

"Rose was so brave and inspirational in her fight against cancer," said Steve.

They added the care she received at Les Bourgs allowed family and friends to share her final days with her knowing she was as comfortable as possible.

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