Lockerbie’s Niki Johnstone, 40, has spent the last year training to climb Africa’s highest mountain in memory of her dad ‘Titanic’ Tommy Johnstone, who passed away last year from Motor Neurone Disease.
The entire community have rallied behind Niki and dozens of events, from family reunions to charity bake offs, 24 hour live gaming sessions and race nights, have been held in honour of her climb in aid of MND Scotland.
Niki is very close to her £10,000 fundraising target and said: “I’m desperately hoping to hit my target. “I still have some money to come in and be banked so fingers crossed.”
She has also been overwhelmed by the kindness of her family, friends and neighbours.
She said: “I couldn’t have trained and fundraised without the support of my family and friends, especially Ian Mclatchie and Bev Farish.
“My work colleagues have been amazing too and LIP Construction have been very generous as my main sponsor.”
She added: “I’ve been overwhelmed at the support I’ve received. Not just donations but lots of advice and encouraging words. It’s been so emotional reading everyone’s messages.
“I’m so nervous and just hope I manage to complete the challenge for my dad and all of those affected by Motor Neurone Disease.”
Niki’s mission will start next Friday and she’s confident she can do her dad proud.
She said: “This is absolutely the hardest challenge I have ever done. “I’ve been training hard at Angels Gym and running and hiking so I am physically ready, but can’t fully prepare for the altitude sickness.”
To donate to Niki’s Kilimanjaro Fund visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=NicolaJohnstone1
