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Sue from Asda Falmouth completes Kilimanjaro trek for charity close to her heart

By
August 29, 2018
Asda Falmouth colleague Sue Beale at the summit of Kilimanjaro

A big well done to Sue Beale from our Falmouth store who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise thousands of pounds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust – a charity that's very close to her heart.

Sue lost her son Tristan to the condition, and when colleagues at the store heard about her plans they sponsored her and encouraged her all the way.

They even dared her to take one of our Bags for Life 19,000 feet to the top – and she proudly displayed it at the summit before bringing it home again.

Sue, who's 62, works on the checkouts and has been at the store for nine years.

She said: "Lots of colleagues sponsored me and have been great encouraging me.

"I got an email from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust about the Kilimanjaro trek, and I just thought, 'I have to do this'.

"Tristan suffered from cystic fibrosis and died five years ago aged 24. Despite all the problems cystic fibrosis gave him, he still led a wonderful and happy life. I miss him so much.

"If we can continue to raise money so a cure can be found, people like Tristan won't have to suffer.

"There was quite a big group of us doing the trek for Cystic Fibrosis and other charities too. One lad with CF managed to reach the summit, which was amazing.

"I went up with a guide and just ploughed on. It took us six days to reach the summit. We camped each night.

"I didn't find it too hard as I'm a runner and had done a lot of training, but some of the terrain was very tough. It's an extinct volcano so there are boulders everywhere.

"I would do it again."

The store's community champion Lisa Kirkpatrick said: "I’m so proud of her; it’s an incredible achievement!

"I know Sue very well and remember when news of Tristan's passing came, but despite the sadness of losing her son to a terrible illness, there’s always a twinkle in her eye when she remembers the wonderful life they shared as a family, never letting his illness prevent him from having the same drive and passion that he clearly got from his mum.

"Being able to give back to a charity that gave her so much support and comfort over the years will mean so much to her.

"We're all wondering if this is the highest an Asda Bag for Life has ever been!

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