Intrepid climb to help poor African families (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Marathon effort to provide clean water for African families

7:20am Monday 1st October 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

AN intrepid climber has conquered the world’s highest snow covered mountain to help save lives.

Richard Quinn, aged 24, from Runcorn, reached the 19,341ft summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.

His team raised a phenomenal £35,000 for a charity called Dig Deep, which provides clean water and renewable energy to poverty stricken families in remote East African communities.

Richard, of The Calvers on The Brow estate, said: “It was hard work. We were all really ill with altitude sickness.

“At one point, I didn’t think I was going to make it, but I was determined to reach the summit.

“It’s the best thing I have ever seen in my life. The view was incredible.

“It was 8am and we’d left camp at midnight.

“It was silent when we reached the top, a bit unreal, but something I will never forget.”

Former St Chad’s pupil, Richard is a customer service adviser at the 02 call centre in Preston Brook.

He joined a team from Tesco Mobile to complete the trek and they linked up with more climbers from London.

Richard, who raised £2,500, said: “I celebrated my 24th birthday on the mountain.

“I’m really pleased I completed the climb. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Guitarist Richard, who studied music at Riverside College, is hoping to scale the Three Peaks next year for Halton Haven Hospice.