Metropolitan Police Sergeant Steve Kirwan made a 30-year dream come true when he reached Everest base camp – raising over £2,000 to help children harmed by crime.
Now the police officer, from Wickford in Essex, who has spent over half his career investigating domestic abuse, child exploitation and child abuse cases is taking on another challenge – to another of the world’s most famous seven summits.
In February, he will be heading off to Africa to climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro – the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
It is only a few months since Steve (54) trekked to Everest base camp raising over £2,000 for Embrace Child Victims of Crime.
He said: “The trek to Everest base camp was a wonderful experience. I met so many great people, they were fabulous travelling companions and we kept each other going when times were tough. The scenery was breathtaking, it is hard to put into words. I loved everything about the experience. The photos I took on the trip will never really do the scenery justice it was stunning and the memories will live with me forever.
“But now I’m training hard for Kilimanjaro in February which I am sure will bring many other challenges and I’m hoping to continue to raise money for Embrace so that my trip has a lasting legacy supporting children who really need it.”
He will set off to Lemosho on 9 February for the 11-day trip. Approaching Kilimanjaro from the West, Steve will travel through pristine forest, crossing the Shira plateau taking in the famous Barranco Wall then stopping at Karanga Camp to acclimatise before taking the final trek to the summit.
Steve said: “After losing four people I was close to in two and a half years, it made me re-evaluate my life. There were a number of once-in-a-lifetime challenges I wanted to do and thought it would also provide an opportunity to do something that would really make a difference to helping those who really needed it. Embrace does great work supporting young victims and I hope the sponsorship I raise will help the charity give more young people affected by crime the support they need to get their lives back on track..”
Anne Campbell, Chief Executive of Embrace Child Victims of Crime said: “Taking on one once-in-a-lifetime challenge is impressive enough but to take on two and to choose to support Embrace for both of them is fantastic. Steve has totally funded the trips himself so every penny he raises will go to providing vital services to vulnerable families. We wish him a fantastic trip. We could not help all the children and families we do without the fantastic efforts of fundraisers like Steve.”
To sponsor Steve visit http://justgiving.com/Steven-Kirwan1 To find out more about embrace visit www.embracecvoc.org.uk.
