Hertford man's charity mountain climb

A Hertford man is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of his wife who was one of the first Britons to die from Covid-19.

Ken Finlayson is fundraising to buy a new mobile dental unit for the dental charity Dentaid that will be named after his wife Kimberley who sadly died in March 2020.

He will be joined on his epic climb by his colleague Tim Molony and the pair hope to raise in excess of £40,000. The money will help to buy a new vehicle that will allow Dentaid volunteers to provide free outreach dental care for homeless and vulnerable people across the UK. 

Kimberley was on holiday in Bali when she tragically died of Covid-19 in an Indonesian hospital. She was a supporter of many charitable causes and Ken has been inspired to climb Africa’s highest peak in her memory.

"I set a goal of raising enough money to help Dentaid to buy a new mobile dental clinic so people in the UK can access urgent dental care," said Ken. "Kimberley and I spent our lives building FMC into dentistry's major communications company. She was very committed to charity projects related to the profession and organised multiple fundraising activities. We had 30 fabulous years together."

The new unit will visit soup kitchens, night shelters and day centres with volunteers offering emergency dental treatment and oral health advice for rough sleepers and people experiencing homelessness.  The vehicle will also be used to provide dental clinics for head and neck cancer patients, refugees and asylum seekers, children in care, fishing communities, ex-service personnel and victims of domestic violence.
In addition to alleviating dental pain, Dentaid volunteers also help to teach their patients about oral health, protect teeth from future damage and provide restorative dentistry to increase confidence and self-esteem.
   
"We are honoured that Ken has chosen Dentaid to fundraise for us and we will make sure this vehicle is a fitting tribute to Kimberley," said Dentaid CEO Andy Evans. "This mobile dental unit will have a lasting impact and help us meet the growing demand for clinics for the most vulnerable people in our communities. Having a chance to access dental care can have a very positive impact and changes people's lives."

Ken and Tim will set off on their eight-day trek on February 15th and will climb 5895 metres to the summit of the Tanzanian mountain.  They will face tough physical conditions and the effects of altitude. "It's going to be a tough climb," said Ken. "But it's a challenge I'm determined to see through for a great cause."