A team of 23 from Manchester United Foundation summits Mount Kilimanjaro led by legend Bryan Robson and Andy Mitten
Mancheter United Foundation climb Kilimanjaro

There has been great news coming from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as a team of 23 passionate hikers from the Manchester United Foundation and avid fans of the premier league club, Manchester United (Man Utd) led by club legend Bryan Robson and Andy Mitten from FourFour Two / The Athletic made it to the top of the highest mountain in Africa for charity. Manchester United is a world-class team which plays in the top-flight football league in England, coached by Ten Haag and popular for featuring players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, David Beckham, George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton, Paul Scholes and many others under their previous coach Sir Alex Ferguson. This is not the first time that Manchester United-affiliated legends or fans have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. In 2009, Gary Barlow of Take That fame, along with Ronan Keating, took on this giant for charity. Their efforts paved the way, showing that the peak of Kilimanjaro could be a platform for philanthropy. This is also one of the various trips that Machester United Legend Bryan Robson has climbed Kilimanjaro with his lat hike being in 2013 as documented here below.

This climb wasn’t just like any other climb, it has a significant reason as proceeds to the fund raising efforts will go to charity as the Captain Marvel’s group aim to raise funds that will support education and community outreach programmes delivered by the Foundation in areas of high deprivation across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Robbo and the team set departed Manchester Airport on October 6th, Sunday afternoon and spent 7 days climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, traversing various ecological zones or the mountain starting from the rainforest zone in the lower slopes, crossing the Shira plateau on the Heath & moorland zone before summiting via the acting zone at Uhuru Peak.

The group have received over £70,000 in donations so far, with all money raised helping to fund the Foundation’s education and community outreach programmes as stated on their Just Giving donations page.

The Quest Begins

The story begins in Manchester, UK, where the “Red Devils” assembled, not on the football pitch, but for an expedition that would test their endurance in ways different from the sports they’re known for. Their destination was the snow-capped Mountain – a poetic name for the imposing Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level in Tanzania.

Bryan Robson, affectionately known as ‘Captain Marvel’, was at the helm of this adventurous team. Comprising 23 trekkers, this group was not just about former athletes but included dedicated fans like Krishan Puvvada, whose personal connection to Tanzania added a layer of sentimental value to the climb.

The Climb for a Cause

The trek was more than a physical challenge; it was a fundraising mission. By the time they touched down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the team had already amassed nearly £60,000 in donations. Each step up the mountain was fueled by the knowledge that every pound raised would go towards education and community outreach programs, transforming lives back in Manchester.

Facing the Mountain

Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its varied ecological systems, from rainforests to alpine deserts and finally to an artic-like summit, presented a unique set of challenges. The team faced altitude sickness, extreme cold, and the mental fatigue that comes with climbing. However, their spirit was undeterred, driven by the cause they were supporting.

Tales from the Trek

Each member of the expedition had their story. Krishan Puvvada shared his familial ties with Tanzania, making his climb on his birthday a poignant personal achievement. Satta, another climber, emphasized the dual challenge of physical exertion and mental fortitude, highlighting how the cause gave purpose to the pain.

Adriana, another participant, reflected on the journey’s significance, labeling it as both inspiring and meaningful. These narratives wove together a tapestry of determination, showcasing how a shared goal can unite people from different walks of life.

Manchester United fans climbing Kilimanjaro The Summit Success

Reaching the Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Kibo, was a moment of triumph for the team. Standing atop the glacier-covered summit, they weren’t just Manchester United representatives but ambassadors of goodwill, proving that sports can transcend the field to impact lives positively.

Impact of the Fundraiser

The funds raised are destined to make a tangible difference. Manchester United Foundation’s projects focus on education, enabling environments for children who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. Every meter climbed by Robson’s team translates into books, classrooms, and chances for a brighter future for many children.

Bryan Robson climb Kilimanjaro Reflections on the Journey

Post-climb, the team’s reflections were not just on the physical feat but on the camaraderie built, the personal growth experienced, and the lives they were about to change. This adventure underscored the power of community, the strength found in unity for a cause, and the endless possibilities when sports figures leverage their influence for social good.

Conclusion

Kilimanjaro Manchester United England

The expedition to Kilimanjaro by Bryan Robson and his team is more than a footnote in the annals of Manchester United’s history; it’s a beacon of how sports can serve society. Their journey from the pitches of Manchester to the peak of Africa’s highest mountain symbolizes a bridge between worlds – one where the love for a football club can extend into making real-world impacts. As these trekkers descended from Kilimanjaro, they left behind not just footprints but a legacy of hope, proving once again that when it comes to making a difference, the sky – or in this case, the mountain top – is not the limit.

 

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro in € Euros and £ British Pounds?

Here’s the cost breakdown for climbing Kilimanjaro in euros and British Sterling Pounds based on the provided routes and prices:

Please keep in mind that exchange rates fluctuate, so for the most accurate conversion, you should check the current rate at the time of your transaction or planning. These figures give you an estimate in British pounds based on the Euro prices provided for climbing Kilimanjaro.

To convert these costs into British pounds (GBP), let’s use an approximate current exchange rate where 1 Euro (€) equals 0.85 British Pounds (£). Here’s the conversion:

  • Marangu route – 6 days: €1,482 * 0.85 = £1,259.70
  • Machame route – 7 days: €1,737 * 0.85 = £1,476.45
  • Crater Camp route – 9 days: €2,533 * 0.85 = £2,153.05
  • Rongai route – 7 days: €1,645 * 0.85 = £1,398.25
  • Lemosho route – 8 days: €2,044 * 0.85 = £1,737.40
  • Northern Circuit route – 9 days: €2,211 * 0.85 = £1,879.35

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