The Guernsey Kidney Patients Association is almost unknown on Guernsey – but carries out invaluable work if you, or someone you know, has an issue with their kidneys.
To raise awareness and funds for the association, Ambrose Netherton (pictured) is gearing up to climb Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in August 2024.
A keen runner and a lover of the outdoors, 25-year-old Ambrose was looking for a new challenge and a conversation with a good friend who used the Renal Unit gave him just the motivation he needed.
Ambrose explained: “My friend had kidney disease and underwent dialysis before having a transplant. We talked about that and the great support that patients get from the charity the Guernsey Kidney Patients Association. She is a member of their committee, and I knew after talking to my friend that they would be my charity of choice, and I want to raise as much money for them as I can.”
Chair of the charity, Justine Gilman, said: “We want to support Ambrose as much as possible to provide as much visibility of the charity as possible across Guernsey. What Ambrose has signed up for is an amazing achievement, not just for himself but also the charity. The charity is extremely thankful.”
Ambrose will be climbing as part of a group of twelve and has timed it so that the weather at the summit should be clear. But the expedition is costly, coming at more than £5,000 for the whole package, so Ambrose is looking for some help with that: “It would be great if a company or two in Guernsey would consider corporate sponsorship. In return for as much media exposure as I can get them, they would also know that they were helping a really good cause.”
Ambrose, who’s a qualified carpenter, has hiked in the Lake District. He has taken part in three long distance events in 2023, including running the entire coastline of Guernsey which is some task. He will continue running and gym work through the winter then will begin using a weighted rucksack in the spring to simulate the effort of climbing at altitude. Members of the Guernsey Kidney Patients Association (GKPA) plan to accompany him on a training session in March 2024 to coincide with World Kidney Day, when their annual quiz night will also be happening.
