TWO friends are preparing to climb Africa’s tallest mountain in memory of a Downend teenager.
Jo Robb and Kim Dixon will head to Tanzania on February 7 to start a six-day journey up Kilimanjaro, which at 5,895m (19,341ft) is the highest free-standing peak in the world.
They are raising money for the Cameron Williams Foundation, which aims to help men talk about their mental health, and charity Suicide Prevention UK.
Cameron, who was 19, took his own life in 2024 after being left devastated by the death of a friend in a road crash.
Jo’s daughter Millie was Cameron’s girlfriend and he worked at the family business, the Window Hub in Staple Hill.
Jo, who lives in Mangotsfield, said: “The tragedy hit Millie hard – we were all devastated.
“Cam was the most beautiful soul, he had the kindest heart and his laughter was infectious.
“We miss him and I hope we do him proud.”
The foundation was set up by Cameron’s mum Melissa Care, his aunt Amelia Care and their mum, Karen Parker, to keep his memory alive by supporting other men to find help with mental health when they need it.
Cameron and his friend Tyler Carley were passengers in a scaffolding lorry which overturned on the Avon Ring Road in December 2023.
Tyler died in the crash, and while Cameron was not physically injured, Amelia said he had survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder, which he hid from his family and friends.
Jo, an advanced nurse practitioner based at Kingswood Health Centre, said: “I see how our mental health crisis is affecting men and boys, in practice at work and at home.
“I want to do something to raise awareness of the struggles that men and boys face when it comes to mental health and not opening up and talking to people.”
Jo and Kim, of Warmley, have been training hard by walking, hiking and weight training four times a week.
Jo said: “Hiking is a mental challenge, just like mental health, and it’s a good way to show people help is on hand if you need it and are struggling.”
People can sponsor Jo and Kim via a Gofundme page at tinyurl.com/3s7ra7ch.