A 68-year-old Christchurch volunteer is preparing to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for two causes close to his and his family’s hearts.
Peter Strawbridge will begin the organised climb on 2 October, taking on Africa’s highest mountain to raise funds for Bournemouth Town Pastors and the Hospital Chaplaincy service at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
Standing at 19,341 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro will be quite a change from Peter’s usual walks. He says the challenge is now starting to feel very real, even swapping his usual Karrimor sandals for a proper pair of walking boots and investing in a sub-zero sleeping bag for the trip.
Supporting people across Bournemouth
Peter volunteers as a Bournemouth Town Pastor, regularly heading out on Saturday nights as part of the team supporting people in the town centre.
The Town Pastors work through Faithworks, providing practical help and support to people during the night-time economy.
The second cause is equally personal.
Peter’s wife Jane volunteers as an Assistant Chaplain at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, with donations supporting the Hospital Chaplaincy through University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.
Peter said the couple are passionate about both services and the way they support people without judgement, regardless of their circumstances or background.
A lifetime of public service
Peter and Jane are both retired after careers spent serving their communities.
Peter worked as a police officer for 30 years in London and the South West before retiring.
Jane, 60, spent her career working for the NHS as a District Nurse, now known as a Community Nurse, latterly working locally in the Christchurch area.
Their volunteering has continued that commitment to helping others, with Peter now supporting people during nights out in Bournemouth and Jane providing support within the hospital.
Every penny donated goes to the causes
Peter is fully self-funding his Kilimanjaro challenge, meaning the costs of the trip are not being taken from the money he raises.
Instead, every penny donated will go directly to the two causes.
A JustGiving fundraising page has been created where supporters can choose whether they would like their donation to support Bournemouth Town Pastors through Faithworks, the Hospital Chaplaincy through University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, or both.
Taking on Kilimanjaro
Peter’s challenge will run from 2 to 11 October 2026, with the ultimate goal of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
At 68, he knows it will be a serious challenge, but preparations are now well underway as the departure date gets closer.
And with the walking boots finally purchased and the sub-zero sleeping bag ready, the reality of what lies ahead is beginning to sink in.
Anyone who would like to support Peter’s Kilimanjaro challenge can donate through his JustGiving fundraising page:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/bournmouthhospitalchaplainsandtownpastors
