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Gamlins Law duo conquer Kilimanjaro

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Two directors from Gamlins Law, a North Wales law firm, have successfully completed their fundraising climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. Ron Davison, the firm’s Managing Director, and fellow director Dafydd Roberts reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, after a gruelling seven-day trek to raise funds for LawCare.

Group of hikers celebrating on a mountain trail above the clouds.

The mountain climbing and running training that we did in advance of the trip was invaluable, but the Kilimanjaro climb was on a totally different level. Nothing can truly prepare you for the conditions, particularly the dust and the gruelling demands of climbing at altitude. Knowing we were raising money for two such fantastic causes definitely helped to keep us going and we are so grateful to everyone’s generosity in supporting us.

– Ron

Ron and Dafydd were part of a 23-strong group that completed the 5895m (19,340ft) climb. Ron and Dafydd have so far raised over £3,500 for their two chosen charities, Prostate Cancer UK and LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector.

Dafydd said: “We knew the expedition would be tough going, but it was even harder than we thought, and we saw plenty of people in other groups who did not make it to the peak.

“On our first day we walked through a rain forest to get to our camp arriving in darkness.

“Day two was good fun, scrambling from rock to rock and day three we got to Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic rock structure. Day four was another big walk before we arrived the next day at base camp. We were encouraged to try and get some sleep before we started our ascent to the summit, but this was difficult.

“We set off for the final climb to Uhuru Peak at midnight and walked in darkness until sunrise around 6am when we arrived at Stella Point, one of three summit points on Kilimanjaro. From here, we embarked on the final climb to the summit at Uhuru.

We all felt an amazing sense of achievement given how tough the conditions were throughout the climb. People in our group and others faced different challenges, including the dust and altitude sickness. But the rewards were enormous. There were lots of glaciers at the top and snow which was very dramatic and being able to see through the clouds was stunning.

– Dafydd

Ron said: “I am so pleased that we took on the challenge which was both physically and mentally demanding. Until you undertake something of this nature, you simply have no idea what it will be like.”

Dafydd added: “I’ve got the bug and am already planning to go on other expeditions in different parts of the world. The Atlas Mountains in North Africa are definitely on my target list.”

After they had reached Uhuru Peak, Ron and Dafydd’s party had the challenge of returning down the mountain, including a final gruelling walk of around 18 hours with minimal breaks. Their reward before flying home was to go on a day’s safari.

“We are incredibly proud to have the support of Ron and Dafydd from Gamlins. Their amazing climb up Mount Kilimanjaro highlights not only their dedication and strength, but also their recognition of the importance of good mental health, especially for those working in the legal sector. By raising funds for LawCare, they’re contributing to our helpline, which provides vital emotional support to those facing mental health challenges in the legal sector. Their efforts also help raise awareness of the important work we do. We are truly in awe of their efforts to make a real difference in the lives of others and absolutely thrilled that they were successful in this very challenging endeavour.” Rose Donnelly, LawCare’s Engagement and Development Manager

Gamlins Law, which employs over 80 people, has six offices across North Wales including its head office in Rhyl and further offices in Ruthin, Mold, Abergele, Holywell and Denbigh.