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UL student Crea Hickson to climb Kilimanjaro in aid of Meningitis Research Foundation

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Crea Hickson Kilimanjaro – UL student Crea Hickson will climb Mount Kilimanjaro next August to raise funds for Meningitis Research Foundation.

UL student Crea Hickson to climb Kilimanjaro in aid of Meningitis Research Foundation

By I Love Limerick correspondent Rachel Petticrew

Crea Hickson Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.


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University of Limerick student, Crea Hickson, is embarking on a major adventure next August – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Crea will be joined by a team of other UL students on the six-day hike, who are also fundraising for MRF.

The charity, based in the UK and Ireland, aims to defeat meningitis and septicemia through research and advocacy. 

“UL organised the climb through Choose A Challenge, who arrange fundraising challenges for adventurers,” Crea tells I Love Limerick. 

“I signed up because I thought the climb would be a great test personally, but also a great way to raise money for charity.”

Crea and her fellow hikers, alongside groups from Trinity College Dublin and NUI Galway, will spend a night in Kilimanjaro Village before embarking on their journey to the summit.

“I hadn’t heard of Mount Kilimanjaro before I signed up, so I don’t think I realised how big of a challenge it was. I might get a shock when I’m over there, but I still have some time to adjust to the idea,” Crea laughs.

“Even though I am sporty, I have never hiked before – but I am up for anything!” 

This inspiring student hopes to raise €5,000 through her GoFundMe page and other fundraising events. 

“I’m planning to do a pub quiz in my hometown in Carlow. I am a coach at Leaps and Jumps Gymnastics Club on the Dock Road, where I’m hoping to do a fundraiser also,” Crea explains.

“I’m looking forward to taking on this challenge and also raising money for charity, which I’ve never really done before.”

Gymnast Crea is conscious of what lies ahead but takes comfort in being part of a team.

“I’m going to go on hikes around Ireland with the group, and just try to get fitter,” she tells.

“It’s nice to have the support of the team to keep everyone going. I think it will be an amazing experience.”

Best of luck, Crea! 

To donate to the cause, go HERE

To learn more about the Meningitis Research Foundation, go HERE 

          For more charity stories, go HERE 

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.