After raising thousands of pounds for Charities, WBro Roy Hallett of the Paddock Wood Lodge No 4291, has excelled even himself.

His latest charity raising effort, together with 23 other people from all over the country, was to climb the 19,344 feet high Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, one of the world’s largest volcanoes, and highest free standing mountain in the world.

What effort it proved to be - an arduous and exhausting five day trek. All the members got to Gilman Point at 18,045 feet. However exhaustion, altitude sickness, and temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius (minus 25 Celsius including wind chill factor), forced some to return to Base Camp, whilst the others accomplished the remaining two hour struggle to the Uhuru Peak summit.

The St. Thomas’ Lupus Trust (a Motor Neurone Charity) was the beneficiary this time, to the tune of over £3000. WBro Ray hasn’t forsaken the Craft charities, however. I jokingly handed him an application form for the London Marathon. He just took it, and with a look of triumph in his eye said "Thank you." I am sure we shall be having more funds coming along!