Police inspector reaches the pinnacle of his career

12:20pm Tuesday 5th August 2008

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A POLICE inspector from Evesham marked 30 years service with West Mercia by climbing the world’s highest freestanding mountain for charity.

Peter Andrews achieved a long-standing ambition by trekking to the summit of Mount Kilmanjaro in Tanzania.

He was joined by 27 intrepid people from across the UK in the expedition in July, climbing 19,336 feet and scaling the tallest mountain in Africa in aid of the disability charity SCOPE.

Insp Andrews, who is based at Worcester Police Station, said: “This was a life-changing experience that I will never forget. It was also one of the most physically demanding experiences I have ever undertaken.

“Of the 26 people who set out to climb the final 4,000 feet only 12 reached the summit, the others were driven back as a result of altitude sickness and the extreme cold.”

The 49-year-old took up the challenge after raising more than £6,000 for SCOPE, which aims to achieve quality of life for those with cerebral palsy. He also donated £1,000 to offset the cost of the mission.

He thanked people in Evesham, Broadway and Worcester for sponsoring him and making the trek possible.

Insp Andrews, a former detective sergeant based at Evesham CID, added: “I would like to thank all of my sponsors across South Worcestershire for their generosity in making this event a reality and raising much needed funds for SCOPE’s work with disabled people.

“The memories of the spectacular scenery, the colourful Masai culture and camaraderie will remain with me for ever.”

The expedition raised more than £100,00 for the charity.