Steve Curtis Reed – Kilimanjaro trekker

What made you register for the Mount Kilimanjaro trek?

I was born with cerebral palsy but it only affects my balance and right leg. I’ve gone through life almost ignoring it and have always been very active. In many ways it’s made me a stronger and a more determined person for it.

My wife and I went on honeymoon to Kenya in 2006 and ever since then I joked about climbing that little hill we saw in the distance! I wanted to do something for charity and of course Scope was the only one on the list…

How did you find the challenge?

It was a real challenge not only the physical side, but equally as tough mentally. The whole trip from beginning to end was fantastic, and all the staff and the organisation of the trip was first-class. Personally for me I found descending ten times more difficult than the trek to the summit, but the thrill of looking back now and knowing what we achieved as a group is amazing and will stay with me forever. It’s not until now that you realise what we did!

How did you find the fundraising?

I have been totally amazed by everyone’s outstanding generosity when it comes to the fundraising. This was the one thing that I was a bit nervous about when signing up and committing myself to raising over £3,000. However, once the first person said "Yes, OK have a fiver", it just went on from there! I must have told my personal story thousands of times but it seemed to work. I think the secret was to just keep going.

What has been the highlight of your experience?

I’ve met some great friends and the experience will bond us together. It’s opened my eyes to Scope’s work and I’d like to stay in touch and get involved as much as I can in the future. If you get the chance do it, it’ll change your life and other people's for the better. I will absolutely be doing something like this again.