A troop of Cubs and Scouts from East Lancs believe they could become the first large group ever to scale Pendle Hill in the dark next month – in a bid to raise vital funds to help one of their members.
The eight to 14-year-olds from St Mary Magdelene’s in Clitheroe are planning a daunting trek up the famous landmark in the early hours, set to arrive at the summit in time for sunrise on Saturday, April 22.
The expedition has been called ‘A Taste of Kilimanjaro’ and the aim is to raise at least £4,000 to install a life-saving defibrillator outside the church hall in Church Brow.
It would allow local boy Ashton Barton, aged nine, to continue being an active member of the Cubs.
Ashton’s mum, Sophie, said: “Ashton has a complex heart condition called hypo-plastic left heart syndrome.
“To date he has undergone three lots of open heart surgery, numerous minor operations and suffered a stroke at the age of eight months, which has left him with left-sided hemiplegia.
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“Ashton is a big character, with a love of life. However, his medical conditions means he is at high risk of suffering a heart attack.
"It is important we try to keep him safe and have precautions in place if the worst happens. Having a defibrillator close to hand is one of those precautions.”
Louise Sells, a Scout leader at St Mary’s, added: “Despite the adversity he has faced, Ashton is a very bubbly, endearing nine-year-old, who wants to maintain his Cub activities.
"His parents and the leaders equally want him to – but in the safest manner.
“Should the unthinkable happen whilst he is with us, according to the British Heart Foundation, we would have just four minutes to administer defibrillation if it is needed.
“Unfortunately we would not be able to access the nearest public defibrillator in such a short timescale.
“To us the obvious solution is to purchase a defibrillator ourselves. Having one on hand would mean Ashton can carry on playing a full part in our activities.
“Whilst this could be achieved for less than £4,000, we believe that it is morally right to also make it available to the local Community on a 24/7 basis. The target figure will also ensure it is maintained and available for public use for many years to come.”
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As things stand, 18 cubs, 13 scouts, 11 parents and at least three leaders will be embarking on the challenge.
The group will also be accompanied by two veteran local mountaineers, Wayne Ellison and Derek Russell, who summited Mount Kilimanjaro together in 2018.
Louise added: “The Taste of Kilimanjaro will be like no other challenge the Cubs/Scouts, or us leaders, have ever undertaken.
“It will push them to the limit but will also create memories that will last a lifetime, help their friend Ashton continue as a Cub and do something special to support our local community, potentially saving lives.
“We believe the event is a first. To our knowledge no Cub or Scout troop has ever tackled something like this in the UK, nor are we aware of a group of this size summiting Pendle Hill in the dark.”
The organisers are looking for local businesses to sponsor and get behind the project as they aim to hit their financial goal.
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