Mother and Daughter climb Mount Kilimanjaro for Meningitis Charity

Ragubir and Parveen Hargun, a British Asian mother and daughter, have accomplished a remarkable feat for charity. They climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

Between 21st and 31st October 2017, Ragubir and Parveen made their climb up to the mountain.

While the trek surely would have been dangerous and difficult, the team persevered. They passed through tropical rainforests, eventually reaching above cloud level.

On 28th October, the whole team reached the ice-capped peak. Afterwards, the mother and daughter said:

“Trekking up Kilimanjaro was incredibly hard work, but it was the most amazing experience and we are proud of our achievement.”

The two took part in this charity trek in memory of Paawan Purba, Ragubir’s niece and Parveen’s cousin. They joined a team of seven people, all who have had personal experiences with meningitis and septicaemia.

Paawan sadly lost her life to meningococcal meningitis in August 2016, aged only 20-years-old. On their JustGiving page, Ragubir and Parveen described her as a “vibrant, larger than life character who brought joy and giggles to everyone who knew her”.

They also added: “We would like to ensure that no family has to endure the heartbreak of losing someone so dear, and that our loss can be used to raise awareness of meningitis.”

Through this, they have started a fundraiser for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

Prior to the climb, the team had to undertake an 8-week intensive plan. Preparing for mountaineering and the various challenges it can present. MRF’s Head of Support, Rob Dawson added:

“We are extremely grateful to Ragubir and Parveen and everyone who took part in this tough challenge.

“The funds that they have raised will help us enormously in our research, awareness and support programmes to ensure that other families don’t have to go through what Paawan’s [family] has as a result of meningitis and septicaemia.”

Currently, the mother and daughter have raised an impressive £5,632 for the charity, with the overall target of reaching £8,700. While their climb is finished, they are still accepting donations through their JustGiving page.

DESIblitz wishes Ragubir and Parveen congratulations on climbing Africa’s highest mountain!