At 7.07 am on 3 October 2019, three London cabbies, collectively known as 'Cabbies Do Kilimanjaro' successfully climbed 19,340 feet to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, the final part of their epic challenge to lose weight, get fit and raise money for the Taxi Charity.
Daren Parr, John Dillane and Brian Heffernan took six days to reach the summit and all suffered from debilitating altitude sickness as they made the ascent.
The idea to climb Africa’s tallest mountain started from an innocuous tweet asking fellow cab drivers if they wanted to lose weight and improve their lifestyle by training to climb the formidable Kilimanjaro, while raising money for the Taxi Charity.
It all started out as an innocuous tweet asking fellow drivers if they wanted to lose weight and improve their lifestyle by training to climb the formidable Kilimanjaro.
The challenge then went into overdrive with some impressive weight loss, fundraising and a memorable fitness journey, which included a special appearance from Bear Grylls.
When asked what this challenge meant to them, the three London cabbies said:
This is one of the proudest moments of my life, helping the Taxi Charity, making my family and friends proud and putting London black taxis where they belong, on top of the world.
Daren Parr
Middle aged men can do amazing things. From being out of breath climbing two flights of stairs, to climbing the highest free-standing mountain in the world, I’m proof anyone can change their life!
John Dillane
In his inaugural address, JF Kennedy said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” The Cabbies Do Kilimanjaro took on this momentous challenge to raise money for our veterans - past and present - and climbing Kilimanjaro seemed a fitting way to earn their respect.
Brian Heffernan
The climb has raised thousands of pounds for the Taxi Charity.
