Georgina scaled the heights in brother’s memory
A WOMAN has taken on a mountain of a challenge in memory of her brother.
Georgina ‘Genie’ Martin wanted to raised £1,000 for brother Philip, who died last year just aged 33 after a battle with lung cancer.
Philip, a former XPO Logistics worker, was a dad and stepdad to eight children.
Originally from Preston, he had moved to the Barnsley area 15 years ago.
Genie wanted to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support who had been there for Philip during his illness.
She took on the biggest challenge anyone could imagine with a five-day ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro. It took another two days for her to descend back down. She endured extreme weather conditions and tough terrain, but has since smashed her initial £500 fundraising target and is close to doubling the amount with donations still coming in.
Genie, 31, said: “Philip was an amazing brother, husband, son, dad, uncle and friend to so many. And it was such a shock when he was diagnosed and we just didn’t know what to do. But thankfully Macmillan were on hand and were so helpful in supporting Philip and his family.
“They were always on the end of the phone and they always had an answer to whatever he needed. We were so grateful for everything they did, and that’s why I wanted to give something back. It was incredible to reach the summit at sunrise – just a wonderful experience, especially when I got out my Macmillan banner and everyone applauded, which was so emotional and unforgettable.
“And it has also been so rewarding to raise a fantastic amount for a such a wonderful cause as Macmillan. I’m sure Philip would have been so proud of my achievement.”
Genie is planning on another fundraiser for Macmillan in the future and hopes to hike somewhere in the UK with some of Philip’s children.