Kilimanjaro 2006 - Team
Each member of the project team has a specific role to play on the expedition and has been chosen for their skills, ability and determination.
Our team consists of:
| Photo | Name | Role |
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British Record Breaker | |
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British Gaffer | |
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Tea Boy | |
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Engine Room & Ropes Expert | |
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Female voice of reason |
Name |
Jimmy Goddard |
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Website |
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Introduction |
Prior to this I was an officer in 29 Commando of the Royal Artillery. It was during the selection training for this Regiment and at Sandhurst that I got to know Johnny and Goose. Strong friendships are forged under physical adversity and despite my best efforts I haven’t managed to shake loose of these two gimps. Now I’m to put up with their childish banter and antics on the long slog up Kilimanjaro. So how did I come to leave the Commando Forces and find myself partying hard (sorry studying hard…) at university? Answer - an abrupt and life changing moment at the bottom of a 60ft cliff in South Wales when a shattered vertebra sliced through my spinal chord. This came seconds after a fall from the rock face above as a result of a climbing accident, which left me paralysed from the chest down, but also tragically took the young and vibrant life of my climbing partner and close friend Claire Stickler. My hobbies are essentially anything sporting or arduous on two or more wheels (and it is surprising just how much there is). This includes handcycling, wheelchair racing, triathlon and wheelchair basketball. I also dabble with learning a little Spanish but please don’t take this as an invitation to test me. Anyway that, very briefly, is my introduction. But I’m sure you’ll find plenty more to bore you about me elsewhere on the site. |
Hi all, I’m Jimmy. I’m a student at Loughborough University where I am studying for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. Name |
Mike Goddard |
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Introduction |
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I am Jimmy's Dad - not as good looking but older and wiser!Name |
Johnny Mercer |
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Introduction |
I will be going to Africa with Jimmy as part of the team to climb Kilimanjaro. We first met when we joined the military and attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. From Sandhurst, Jimmy and I both joined the Royal Artillery and spent a lazy summer at the Royal School of Artillery in Larkhill before being posted to 29 Commando in Plymouth, and completing our Commando training together. Jimmy and I completed a Winter Deployment to Norway, before Jimmy was posted to Scotland and I remained in Plymouth. Jimmy’s accident followed shortly afterwards. I remain at 29 Commando Royal Artillery in Plymouth. In my spare time I am keen to get up to the hills for a bit of fresh air, watch some sport in the pub, or do a bit of solid reading. |
My name is Johnny Mercer. Name |
Goose (Tim Turner) |
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Introduction |
I first met Jimmy at Sandhurst in 2002 when we were both trying out for the Academy Ballet. Sadly, neither of us was successful, but in our rejection found solace in one another. Our friendship at Sandhurst was stunted by the intrusion of the pesky Colour Sergeants and I was posted to Plymouth on graduation, only to find Jimmy soon following in my footsteps. We were reunited once again on Dartmoor, when Johnny 'The Boy' Mercer, Jimmy and I would share special moments and happy times, hugging each other for warmth in holes we had dug whilst on the All Arms Commando Course. We were then sent to Norway for much of the same, only colder. In between drinking in the officers mess and the Barbican, and when Jimmy was not taking notes sat on the boss' knee, we would find time to return to Dartmoor, for old times’ sake, and Jimmy was introduced to the pleasure of rock climbing. This budding interest was furthered by a trip to the Alps in the summer of 2004 when he dragged me up epic routes towering above the Chamonix valley. When Jimmy had his accident I too came to visit his nurses who strangely appeared more interested in their patient than me. I was part of the support team for Jimmy’s London Triathlon entry, which confirmed to me his dedication to return to sport (though he was beaten by a girl) and I now hope to be able to support him in his Kilimanjaro aspirations. |
Name |
Debbie |
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Introduction |
I met Jimmy whilst I was working in the Spinal Injuries Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Jimmy was known to cause much havoc in the O.T. Just like Jimmy, I love engaging in a variety of outdoor sports. A great deal of my travels have centred around sporting activities and events, eg. trekking in the Himalayas and Patagonia; cycling across northen Spain; participating in international marathons (totally non-professional, though...just aim to get to the finishing-line!)...all part of 'sight-seeing'. I'm grateful for this oppurtunity of joining Jimmy in this challenge. |
Hi, I'm Debbie. I'm an occupational therapist from South Africa. I've been doing locum work in the U.K. for the past few years (having spent more time travelling abroad than working, though!).