Getting to know: Kelly’s Heroes Climb Kilimanjaro – Alyson Westbrook

As part of the Kelly’s Heroes Climb Kilimanjaro charity fundraiser, we are getting to know the team taking on the gruelling  5,895m high mountain climb between 12-21 September 2024.

Next up we have Alyson Westbrook of Framexpress.

Name: Alyson Westbrook

Job title: Internal Sales Coordinator

Company: Framexpress

How long you’ve been there? Nine months

How long have you been in the glazing industry in total? Nine months

Why are you climbing Kilimanjaro? To have a focus and personal purpose which will not only help myself with my grief over losing my partner, Gary, last year but also raise much needed funds for two charities which are close to my heart; helping others will help me to heal.

Severn Hospice provided Gary and I with comfort and dignity by providing physical comfort and emotional, social, and spiritual support for over 6 weeks; therefore Severn Hospice is extremely close to my heart and I will continue to support them in memory of Gary, I can never repay their kindness in the darkest time of our lives.

Gary was a great adventurer and loved to challenge himself, climbing Kilimanjaro a few years ago, as well as other wild achievements. This opportunity, which I feel has been orchestrated by Gary, has presented itself and I not only want to help others but follow in his footsteps; it will be an emotional journey, I’m sure.

How are you preparing? I joined the team a month ago and immediately thought, my gosh I’m going to have to get going on this fitness malarkey, I’ve only got 6 months to prepare! I went to Boot Camp at 6am the very next morning and now going every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I also had my first 121 PT session last Saturday morning. In addition to this I always walk daily but do so two or three times since having Frizbee my rescued Siberian Huskey 6 months ago. We have done many beautiful long walks in the Shropshire Hills since being together and look forward to many more including Scafell Pike and the Yorkshire Three Peaks with our amazing team. I’m hill walking as much as I can fit in.

What are you least looking forward to? My new bunion playing up and hindering me, it’s bloomin’ painful!! I’m vegan too so I’m curious about the food although I have been assured my dietary requirements are not an issue.

What are you most looking forward to? Getting to the top with ALL of the Team! Supporting each other along the way through the many ups and downs, both physically and mentally that I know we will all experience.

The natural world around me, flora and fauna, being in nature, the sun and stars in the sky above me; the beauty and wonder of it ALL!

Gary being proud of what I have achieved, knowing he will be with me every step of the way and being proud of myself.

What does Kelly’s Heroes mean to you? Having experienced the loss of a previous partner who died by suicide I understand the importance of Kelly’s Heroes Charity and wish to support them too as they help others who are struggling emotionally.

I have and am still struggling with my own mental health following the passing of my beloved partner Gary. I am forever grateful of the emotional support I have received from Severn Hospice, my family and dearest friends.

Unless you are affected or know someone struggling with Mental Health it’s difficult to understand. There is often still a stigma associated with it, leaving many to suffer in silence, Kelly’s Heros aim is to raise awareness and help to prevent suicide.

An amazing selfless charity who need all the money we can possible raise as does Severn Hospice.

Link to your Just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/alyson-westbrook-kilimanjaro2024-1711529566332

Severn Hospice link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/garyrichardsbricklayer-alyson-westbrook-171154902178