Manchester Hindu Temple Marks 50th Anniversary by Conquering Kilimanjaro and Raising over £50k for Charity

A Manchester Hindu temple has kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations at the top of Africa's highest peak, after 22 climbers battled freezing temperatures, exhaustion and altitude to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro and raise almost £55,000 for charity.

The team from Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Oldham reached Uhuru Peak, the 5,895-metre summit of Africa's highest mountain, after a gruelling overnight ascent in temperatures dropping to around -8°C.

And there was no turning back, with the entire 22-strong team making it to the summit, despite the extreme conditions.

The climbers ranged in age from just 13 to 67, with the group setting off from Barafu Camp at 11pm on Thursday 17 September and walking through the night before reaching Uhuru Peak between 6.30am and 9.30am the following morning.

The six-day expedition began on Sunday 13 September, with the full team returning to Moshi on 19 September.

For Anil Kara, Trustee of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Oldham and one of the climbers, the final ascent was the toughest challenge of the trip.

He said: "The climb was amazing, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The final summit day was by far one of the most difficult things any of us could have done.

"The biggest worry was the altitude as no one had really done anything like this. Luckily no one suffered any major issues and the team and porters there were amazing."

The group faced days of walking ranging from around four hours to 14 or 15 hours, with the punishing altitude forcing the climbers to maintain a deliberately slow pace.

But it was the final night that really tested the team.

"The porter and support networks are amazing, we could not praise them enough," said Anil.

"The final night was difficult but the guides and porters really drive you to complete."

Having conquered Africa's highest mountain, the team is now celebrating another impressive achievement, raising just under £55,000 for three charities: Dr Kershaw's Hospice, Reuben's Retreat and Awaken Love for Africa.

Dr Kershaw's Hospice was chosen as the temple's official charity partner for its 50th anniversary, while Reuben's Retreat and Awaken Love for Africa were added following the sad death of one of the climbers who had been due to take part.

For Anil, the challenge was about more than reaching the summit.

The anniversary marks 50 years since Hindu families established the community in Oldham in 1977, and the fundraising was designed to celebrate that history while giving something back.

Anil said the partnership with Dr Kershaw's was particularly important because hospice services are often underused within the South Asian community.

"We want to raise awareness that this care is available to everyone, regardless of background, culture or faith," he said.

Since 1977, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir has grown from a small community of Hindu families into a major religious and community hub, now welcoming more than 10,000 visitors a year.

The community opened a new £7 million purpose-built temple and community centre on Copster Hill Road in 2022, much of which was delivered through community volunteering.

Donations can be made via the group's JustGiving page: https://nnd.link/Kili

About Shree Swaminarayan Mandir:

• Shree Swaminarayan Mandir is a prominent Hindu temple located in Oldham, England.
• The temple, which cost £7m and funded entirely by volunteers, is known for hosting various religious and cultural events throughout the year, including Diwali and other Hindu festivals.
• Located at Copster Hill Road, Oldham, OL8 1QB
• www.oldhamandir.faith

About Dr Kershaw's Hospice:

• Dr Kershaw's Hospice provides free, specialist, end-of-life and palliative care for adults with life-limiting illnesses in Oldham and its surrounding areas
• The Hospice opened in 1989 with a legacy from Dr John Kershaw, a local GP
• The Hospice has a team of dedicated clinical staff including doctors, nurses, health care assistants and care givers who support patients Hospice's Inpatient Unit and Wellbeing Centre, along with supporting patients in the community through its Hospice at Home service.