Devon woman to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity

Scarlett Joiner, 20, is gearing up for the challenge

An inspirational Devon woman is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for clean water and sanitation projects in Kenya. 

Scarlett Joiner, a 20-year-old from Exeter is aiming to raise £2,990 in support of charity Dig Deep, which works to provide safe to drink water and good hygiene to communities in Bomet County, in the east African country. 

Two thirds of the one million residents in Bomet county lack access to clean water and safe sanitation, according to charity Dig Deep. The lack of the human right contributes heavily to high levels of waterborne diseases, particularly among children under five. 

Although many people think of high-quality teas and coffee and elite distance runners when they hear of Bomet county, residents often rely on unsafe water sources. Some families spend hours each day collected water, which could prevent jobs and attending schools. 

Mount Kilamanjaro (image courtesy: Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash)

Scarlett said why she wanted to climb the world’s tallest free-standing mountain: “I wanted to take on a challenge that really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but for a reason bigger than just personal achievement.”

“It feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity where every step actually changes lives.” 

She also added: “I want to use this challenge to raise awareness as well as funds, because clean water should not depend on where you are born.”

Scarlett’s fundraising target is £2,990 and the climb of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is expected to take several days and will involve trekking to an altitude of nearly 6,000 metres.

Ms Joiner also explained how she is feeling ahead of the event in the summer: “I am nervous and excited, but that fear reminds me how big the challenge is for the people this charity supports every day.”

Scarlett will be climbing Kilimanjaro in August of this year. Find the link to her fundraising page here:

There will also be a charity raffle at Tiverton rugby club in April: 

Listen to the full interview with Scarlett Joiner below: