#TeamArthur Summit Mount Toubkal Raising Over £25,000

On Saturday 16 May 2026, 12 intrepid trekkers flew out to Morocco to take on the challenge of a lifetime in support of patients and loved ones supported by Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Together they climbed Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa and have already raised an amazing £25,000 (including gift aid) with more donations expected.

These vital funds will support people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end of life care.

Over the past year, the team has put in countless hours of training, tackling long walks across the UK and beyond to prepare for rocky terrain, long days and high altitude.

Their three-day trek saw them travel from Marrakech into the Atlas Mountains, hiking from the village of Imlil through remote valleys and mountain shrines, supported by local guides and mules.

Camping high on the mountain, the team had an early-morning summit attempt, climbing to 4,167 metres to watch the sunrise over breathtaking landscapes.

Each trekker had their own powerful reason for taking on this challenge – from thanking the Charity for the compassionate care given to loved ones, to raising funds so that others can receive the same support in the future. Together, they showed incredible determination, teamwork and generosity in support of a cause that means so much to so many.

Michelle Knight, Matron at the Alan Hudson Centre in Wisbech and Palliative Care Hub Service Lead, who took part and knows from first hand experience, the impact the funds can make, shared:

“This was such an incredible and humbling experience.  We all did it for various different reasons but we had to work together to achieve the same goal. The emotions it has evoked in all of us are so powerful that they are difficult to put into words.

I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to do this with our Charity to be able to support our patients and families.”

David Ousby, from Madingley, who was also one of the group added:

“We made it! We couldn’t have done this without your support! It was hot, then it was freezing cold. It was brilliant sunshine and freezing night time. The altitude was like climbing Ben Nevis, then up Snowdon the next day, hitting 4,167m at the summit. There were times when each of us felt like quitting, but we pulled together as a team!”

Gina Thomas, Events and Challenges Manager commented:

“This inspiring group of trekkers has shown remarkable dedication in taking on this extraordinary challenge together. Over the past year, they have committed countless hours to both training and fundraising in preparation for this adventure. Reaching an altitude of 4,167 metres over the past few days is an incredible achievement and truly awe-inspiring.

We are deeply grateful to every one of them, as well as to their friends and families, whose encouragement, generosity and support have played such an important role in making this possible.”

Everyone at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity would like to say thank you to Sally, George, Becca, Liane, Craig, Nancy, Michelle, Ian, Tom, Robert, David and Chris for taking on this huge challenge and raising over £25,000 (including gift aid). This will support people at the Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Centre in Wisbech and in peoples own homes via the Hospice at Home teams. Thanks also to everyone who has sponsored and supported them.

If you would like to sponsor the trekkers please visit their sponsorship page: https://arhcmounttoubkal26.enthuse.com/arhc/profile