AN employee at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has conquered the highest mountain in Africa to help raise money for equipment for poorly children.
Misba Khan, who works in the finance department at North Manchester General Hospital in Crumpsall, has spent nine gruelling days tackling Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania.
On Christmas Eve, Misba reached the summit of Kilimanjaro at an altitude of 5,895m.
As a keen walker, Misba has completed many treks including the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
The Khan Kili Klimb as it has been dubbed by Misba’s family will raise money to support the children’s unit at North Manchester General Hospital. The unit cares for patients aged 3 – 16 years with a wide variety of needs. Funds raised by Misba will be used towards the purchase of portable sensory equipment.
The sensory voyager is a portable sensory studio solution which brings sensory equipment to a child who is unable to access a sensory room. Many children are immobile in bed and the sensory voyager brings to life their single room and allows the children to completely relax, giving them complete control of the surroundings about them.
“After finally reaching the summit, an exhausted but excited Misba said:
“I have made it to the top of Africa! I’ve been up since 12pm walking 11-15 hours to the top of Kilimanjaro. Temperatures are -15 and I have hired a coat as mine wasn’t appropriate. The mountain has really tested me in many ways. Aside from the striking natural beauty, the breath taking sunset and sunrise…you need willpower, a sense of humour, a healthy body and luck. I really struggled the last summit today, but I was with a great team!”
“I have worked at the Trust for 11 years and I am a mum. I therefore decided to try and complete my charity trek for North Manchester General Hospital at Christmas as Christmas is a time for children.”
Yvonne Tunstall, divisional nurse director of women and children’s said:
“This sensory studio would be a tremendous asset to the children’s unit as many children with long term life limiting conditions are admitted to the unit for treatment throughout the year. This equipment will not only relax them during their admission but would make their stay in hospital a more memorable experience.”
So far Misba has raised £1,296.60 for the new equipment. To support Misba, you can donate by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/KhanKiliKlimb
