Two intrepid dads united by their soon-to-be-wed children are scaling Africa’s tallest mountain to raise vital funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
David Ryczanowski and Pierre Olivier are making their final preparations before embarking on an eight-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The dormant volcano is one of the highest free-standing mountains on the planet, standing 5,895 metres above sea level, and among the world’s ‘Seven Summits’.
David and Pierre are taking on the Lemosho route, starting in the west and crossing the Shira Plateau. They fly out tomorrow (19th February) and begin walking on Saturday (22nd).
The pair decided to join forces for the charity trek after becoming friends through their children – David’s son, Mark, 26, and Pierre’s daughter, Jayde, 24 – who are getting married at Christ Church Chorleywood in September.
“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our children getting married, bring our families together and get to know each other better,” said David, now retired but formerly a director of science and regional director of an education trust.
“It’ll make a great story for our grandchildren and hopefully inspire our children.
“I’m feeling excited, if slightly nervous, and it’s certainly going to be a major challenge, both physically and mentally.
“The air pressure at the top of Kilimanjaro is approximately 40% of that at sea level, and, as a result, every time you breathe, you only take in about half as much air and oxygen, so it’s quite normal to suffer from altitude sickness.
“Then there’s the extreme cold to deal with, especially at the top when the temperature is likely to plunge to -15 degrees.
“It’s going to be tough, but I’ve always loved a challenge and having a target and something to strive for inspires me to keep fit and active.
“I retired two years ago due to ill health and have spent time getting fit again, so I can take on these sorts of challenges.
“I’ve changed my training programme, taken on a personal trainer, had an arm full of vaccinations and recently completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
“I like keeping busy – physically, mentally and spiritually – and feel as ready as I’m going to be.”
While David, 63, lives in Lowestoft, Pierre is based in Chinnor, Oxfordshire.
Their children started dating three years ago, got engaged last year and are tying the knot in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, on 6th September.
The idea for the climb was Pierre’s, as it was on his ‘bucket list’, and he turned 60 on Boxing Day.
“In 2015, I was diagnosed with cancer and had 16 lymph nodes removed via a right neck dissection, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy,” said Pierre.
“Then, in July 2019, I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had my left upper lung removed, followed by a few cycles of chemotherapy.
“By September 2020, it had spread to multiple sites, including my liver, lymph nodes, bones and lungs, and I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
“At the time, it felt I was fighting a losing battle and I wanted to know what my life expectancy was, as I was seriously considering throwing in the towel.
“I was informed that without treatment, I might only have six months to live.
“Thankfully, after a lot of prayer and support from my wife and family, the dark clouds started lifting, and I realised I had so much to live for.
“I decided I was going to fight this beast in me with everything I had, and that decision, coupled with significant lifestyle changes, turned out to be the best thing I ever did.
“In time, there was no sign of the cancer spreading, and my tumours started shrinking after a few months of treatment.”
Remarkably, Pierre, a successful businessman, running his own company in the energy and environment industry, has been in remission since August 2022.
“To celebrate this milestone and life in general, I set myself three fitness challenges, which included a cycle from London to Paris over four days and 448km in September 2024, to raise funds for the Royal British Legion,” he said.
“My wife and I then completed our first mixed doubles Hyrox fitness challenge in October 2024.
“The third challenge is hiking up Kilimanjaro, which will be the ultimate test for my endurance and lungs. However, it’s also a great opportunity to give something back by raising funds for a very worthy cause.
“I haven’t generally shared my cancer journey with others, as I’ve always believed it’s a very personal thing.
“However, as I’ve been blessed abundantly, I wanted to share it with others in the hope it can provide comfort and hope for anyone diagnosed and/or living with cancer.”
While united by their children, David and Pierre also have their faith in common – as well as a shared passion for rugby.
David is an authorised worship assistant in the Church of England and preaches at Christchurch, in Lowestoft.
He is also a Norfolk Diocesan Synod member and meets with the Bishop of Norwich.
“Looking after those less fortunate than ourselves is key to our faith, which is why we why we wanted to support EACH,” he said.
“I make a monthly donation and like using the shop in London Road South.
“I have huge admiration for the amazing work it does and raised funds by running the London Marathon in 2001.
“It’s a charity close to my heart, and I also greatly admire the work of The Princess of Wales, who is, of course, EACH’s Royal Patron.”
Click on the links to show your support for David and Pierre.
