As I ventured onto the snow-capped peaks of Africa’s tallest mountain, I couldn’t help but be awestruck by the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. And I weren’t the only one – my companions, Manchester United Foundation’s CEO John Shiels and United We Stand editor and journalist Andy Mitten, were equally impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of our surroundings.
We were part of an extraordinary challenge, one that aimed to raise substantial funds for the Manchester United Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting young people throughout the region. And in this case, the efforts of our small group had already yielded a staggering £120,000, a testament to the kind of generosity and spirit that can move mountains – literally.
I was reminded of the story of Captain Marvel, who had tackled the mountain for the foundation in 2013, and had now returned to conquer it once again. As we stood at the summit, the wind whipping our faces and the snow crunching beneath our footsteps, it was clear that the experience was as much about personal achievement as it was about the greater good.
“When you’re on the top of that mountain and you see the glacier and blue skies, it is just amazing,” Captain Marvel recalled, her eyes shining with a sense of awe. “The views that you see from the summit are amazing.”
Of course, the journey down the mountain was not without its challenges – I, for one, had to grapple with a sore ankle, courtesy of a misstep in the powdery snow. But as the Captain so poignantly put it, “That was no matter… the most important thing is we’ve raised unbelievable funds for the Foundation and the children they support, to give them a better life; that’s what it’s all about.”
As we slowly made our way back down the mountain, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. For in the face of adversity, we had persevered, and in the process, made a meaningful difference in the lives of those we had come to support. The experience was a powerful reminder that, together, we can move mountains – and make a lasting impact on the world around us.
