I am enormously proud to share that every single member of our Rising for Mothers team made it to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!
After nine days of trekking, covering approximately 100 kilometres and climbing to an altitude of 5,895 metres, all ten climbers stood on the roof of Africa.
It was certainly no walk in the park. Several members of the team struggled with the effects of altitude sickness along the way, and there were moments when the physical and mental challenges became very real. But they persevered, encouraged one another and kept going, motivated by the reason they had taken on this extraordinary challenge in the first place.
To support safer maternity care for women and newborns in rural Tanzania.
I cannot adequately express how proud I am of this team. They committed months to preparing for this adventure, raised funds, stepped well outside their comfort zones and demonstrated what people can achieve when they come together for a common purpose.
And they did it. Every single one of them!
A summit I had hoped to share
As many of you know, my husband Grant and I were meant to be climbing alongside the team. Unfortunately, shortly before our departure, my daughter was admitted to hospital, and we had to make the difficult decision to stay in Australia.
I am very pleased to say that she is now home and doing much better.
Of course, I was terribly disappointed not to be there. After months of training, preparation and anticipation, it was hard to watch the team set off without us. But sometimes life has other plans, and being with my daughter was exactly where I needed to be.
We haven't abandoned our Kilimanjaro ambitions! Grant and I fully intend to complete our climb, most likely during the first half of 2027. The mountain isn't going anywhere, and neither is our commitment to the cause.
For now, I am celebrating the achievements of ten remarkable people who have done us all proud.
$16,000 raised. Can we make it $20,000?
Thanks to our climbers and the generosity of everyone who has supported them, we have raised an incredible AUD $16,000!
That is 80% of our $20,000 fundraising goal, and I would dearly love to see us reach the finish line.
The money raised through Rising for Mothers: The Kilimanjaro Maternity Climb will support the expansion of the solar power system at Kamanga Health Centre in rural Tanzania.
Reliable electricity is not something we can take for granted. Power interruptions can affect lighting, medical equipment and the ability of healthcare professionals to provide uninterrupted care. For a woman in labour, or a newborn requiring medical attention, a reliable power supply is an essential part of safe healthcare.
Our expanded maternity facilities need a dependable electricity supply that is not at the mercy of an unreliable national grid.
That is what our climbers have been working towards. Not simply reaching the top of Africa, but contributing to something that will continue to make a difference long after they have returned home.
We are just $4,000 short of our goal.
If 40 people contribute $100, we will get there. Or perhaps 80 people giving $50. Every contribution brings us closer.
Our climbers have done their part. Now I am asking you to help us complete this final stretch.
And if you have already contributed, thank you. Please consider sharing the campaign with your friends, family or colleagues. You never know who might be inspired by what this team has achieved.
To our ten climbers, thank you!
You took on one of the world's great trekking challenges, pushed through discomfort and exhaustion, and showed what determination and teamwork can accomplish.
I wish I could have been standing on that summit with you, but I could not be prouder of what you have achieved.
And to everyone who has supported this campaign, whether through financial contributions, encouragement or simply spreading the word, thank you for being part of it.
The summit has been reached. Now let's reach our fundraising goal!
With gratitude,
Nina and the Cedar Team