Carrying A Special Light Up the Mountain

By Craig and Luke, Uncharted Summits

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When we first heard about Poppy's Light Foundation, we knew this climb would be different.

Yes, it was Kilimanjaro. Yes, it would test everyone physically and mentally. But this was not just a mountain to summit; it was a mountain carrying love, loss, hope, and legacy all at once.

From the very first conversation with Poppy’s parents, Victoria, Peter, and the team, we felt it: this was deeply personal. They were not climbing for a medal or a bucket-list moment. They were climbing for Poppy. They were climbing to create change.

Poppy's Light Foundation was created in memory of Poppy Eagle, a bright, creative, and deeply loved young woman who passed away suddenly from a rare cardiac condition, CPVT. Her family chose to turn unimaginable loss into hope, launching a foundation that raises awareness of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndromes (SADS), funds psychological support for families, and drives for better genetic screening and early diagnosis. Climbing Kilimanjaro was their first major fundraiser and their first act of taking grief and turning it into impact.

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Healing in Every Step

Kilimanjaro is never easy. The altitude strips you bare. Fatigue tests your limits. The cold bites at your confidence. But there is something else the mountain gives you: space. Space to feel, to reflect, to heal.

The group who climbed carried a lot: Peter, Poppy’s dad; Ollie, her brother; Ted, a close family friend; Philip, Peter’s best friend; Paul, who suggested the idea of the climb; Tom, Paul’s son; and Nozomi, a fellow climber who became like family along the way.

Victoria, Poppy’s mum, remained in the UK, managing logistics, driving fundraising efforts, and holding space for the team back home, ensuring every part of the mission stayed on track while they climbed.

Each step taken on the mountain was not just for themselves, but for families facing heartbreak, for children needing hope, for the mission that Poppy’s Light now carries forward.

From the lower slopes to the final summit push, we saw moments of real courage; not just in continuing to walk, but in allowing emotions to surface. Silence often filled the trail, but it was a powerful silence; a silence of connection.

“We made it a priority to check in with every single person, multiple times a day,” said Craig, Co-Founder of Uncharted Summits. “Not just physically, but emotionally too. You can be carrying a lot on these climbs, and it is important that no one feels alone with it.”

We watched friendships deepen. We saw strength appear in unexpected places. And we saw a group of people, united by grief, find new ways to carry it together. ‍

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More Than a Fundraiser

Kilimanjaro is one of the most challenging climbs you can ever do. But the opportunity to fundraise, inspire, and save lives step by step is an incredible gift for charities looking to create additional income streams for their cause.

Fundraising for life-saving work was at the heart of this climb. What the Poppy’s Light team achieved was extraordinary: over £50,000 raised to fund psychological support, create safe experiences for children with heart conditions, and begin the journey toward better diagnostic screening.

Every time someone laced up their boots, every time they pushed through another cold, exhausting step, it was not just about reaching the top; it was about reaching families who needed hope.

We were inspired not just by how much they raised, but by how much heart they put into every mile.

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The Power of the Team

Peter, Ollie, Ted, Philip, Paul, Tom, and Nozomi; each person brought something unique to the team, something that carried everyone forward.

Some had climbed before. Some had not. Some carried physical challenges. All carried emotional ones.

“There were days when the weather turned, when the altitude hit harder than expected, when exhaustion crept in. But the way they supported each other was something we will never forget,” said Craig. “Whether it was sharing a quiet word of encouragement, offering a hand when someone stumbled, or simply walking side-by-side in silence, they moved as one.”

“Our porters carry everything you could possibly need,” added Luke, Co-Founder of Uncharted Summits. “From emergency equipment to comfort items. We make sure that when you are up there, you have everything you will ever need for your safety, wellbeing, and spirit. Part of my role is spotting things people might need before they even realise they need it.”

Behind the scenes back home, Rob Sharp, Co-Founder of Uncharted Summits, quietly supported the team, offering logistical help and reassurance as the climb unfolded.

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Growth in Every Direction

Climbing a mountain does not just change your body; it changes your perspective.

By the time we reached Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak, we saw a team transformed, not just in physical achievement, but in connection, resilience, and belief.

Many of the team spoke about feeling closer to Poppy up there, closer to each other, and stronger in themselves. Some left the mountain with new commitments to their health, their community, and their causes. Some found healing they did not know they needed.

There is a real opportunity for other charities to experience this too; to create profound impact, to bring people together around a shared mission, and to raise significant funds for causes that matter deeply.

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A Climb We Will Never Forget

At Uncharted Summits, we say, “For Us, it is Personal.”

This climb with Poppy’s Light Foundation was not just another trip. It was a privilege. It was an honour. And it was personal.

We are proud to have walked alongside them. Proud to have witnessed their strength. And proud to know that because of them, lives will be saved, hearts will be supported, and Poppy’s light will continue to shine.

Uncharted Summits was founded to be a vehicle for change; to give charities and individuals a way to turn courage into impact. Whether you want to heal, raise vital funds, inspire your community, or honour someone you love, we are here to help you climb toward something bigger than yourself.

We cannot wait to walk alongside more incredible causes, just like Poppy’s Light Foundation, on their next life-changing journeys.

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Written by Social Storie

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