Climbing challenge in tribute to John (From The Northern Echo)

Climbing challenge in tribute to John

10:25am Saturday 26th December 2009 in

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A FAMILY will today embark on the challenge of a lifetime to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of a lost loved one.

The Dickenson family – mother Nikki, sons Stephen and Mark and daughter Gemma – will tackle the 19,341ft of Africa’s highest peak in tribute to John, who died in April following an 18- month battle with cancer.

Mr Dickenson, who was 58 when he died, was a keen walker and formerly chief executive of developer The Banks Group.

His wife and children will leave Durham for Tanzania today and begin climbing on Monday, December 28. The expedition is expected to last six days, with the family reaching the summit before dawn to watch the sun rise.

Mrs Dickenson, 58, said: “John lived life to the full. He was an amazing man who loved his family, loved socialising, loved his job and combined the three very successfully.

“He was an incredibly positive man. He was known for being positive and optimistic.

“We wanted to do something to mark his passing and celebrate his life.”

Mark Dickenson, 30, said: “I feel a bit of trepidation, but it’s genuinely exciting – it’s going to be a fantastic experience.

“When dad died, we decided it would be nice to do something at Christmas. Africa is meaningful in our lives and someone said how about we do something that is a challenge.”

Stephen Dickenson, 24, said: “Dad is the inspiration for our climb. He remained positive throughout his illness and loved hiking.

“As children, we were always walking in the Lakes and enjoyed exploring parts of America, trekking into the Grand Canyon and across the national parks of Utah.”

The family are looking for sponsorship for the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development’s South Africa Candelight Fund.

Mr Dickenson learnt of the problems facing communities in South Africa during a family holiday and planned to support work in the country in his retirement.

Gemma Dickenson, 27, said: “We would be grateful for a donation, however small, to support these worthy causes.”

To donate, visit justgiving.

com/johndickenson or justgiv ing.com/johndickensoncafod