Mansfield-born sisters climb Kilimanjaro to raise funds for dementia research after dad's diagnosis
Two sisters have returned from the challenge of a lifetime after successfully climbing Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro, raising important funds and awareness for dementia research following their father’s diagnosis.
Kim Truswell and Dani MacKinnon, who were born in Mansfield Woodhouse, took on Africa’s highest mountain this January in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK, after their dad, David Truswell, was diagnosed with advanced vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Kim said: “In just a matter of months, we’ve watched our dad go from being a big, strong, fearless man to someone extremely fragile and vulnerable.
“He struggles to recognise people and places he once knows so well, and there are moments when he tells us he’s scared. It’s a truly cruel disease.”
After eight difficult weeks in hospital, their father is now settled in at Bethel Court Care Home and Kim and Dani have completed their challenge.
Dani said: “It wasn’t just about reaching the top of a mountain.
“It was about doing something meaningful and raising money for research. This climb was for our dad and every family facing dementia.”
The sisters used the challenge to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.
Simon McDermott from Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “Kim and Dani’s climb is a remarkable example of turning personal heartbreak into hope.
“One in two people in the UK will be directly impacted by dementia in their lifetime, either by developing the condition themselves or caring for a loved one.
“We can’t thank Kim and Dani enough for completing this epic challenge to raise funds in support of our work to find new treatments, preventions and one day, a cure.”
Dani said: “Kim and I both grew up with our brother, Oliver, in Mansfield Woodhouse and we all went to The Manor School.
“Kim and I also worked at West Nottinghamshire College and our parents still live in Mansfield Woodhouse, our mum Paula on The Paddocks and our dad has been a resident in the newly re-opened Bethel Court Care Home since November 17, last year.
“Dad formerly played in goal for Mansfield Town Football Club many, many years ago and back row for Mansfield Rugby Club and both mum and dad were frequent visitors to The Coopers Pub before dad was taken in hospital last September.
“To date, we have raised £8,642 for Alzheimer’s Research UK but we would love to raise more.”
You can support their fundraising by visiting www.justgiving.com/team/kimanddanidokili.