Fundraising hero Jacob to become a teenager at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
For most 13-year-olds, a trip to the cinema with friends or perhaps a special birthday tea is enough to celebrate becoming a teenager.
But not so for Jacob Newson who will climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the RAF’s longest-standing charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Jacob, 12, is hoping to reach the summit on October 31, his 13th birthday. The challenge will see Jacob and his father, Andrew Newson, spend eight days trekking to the summit, where temperatures can drop as low as minus 20C.
To prepare for the climb, Jacob has trained extensively, including trekking in the Lake District, completing Ben Nevis, and taking part in 35 Parkruns, covering a total distance of 108 miles.
It is just the latest fundraiser for the aspiring future pilot, who has also trekked the Pyrenees and completed both the Yorkshire and National Three Peaks challenges.
The expedition will also be a new challenge for both Jacob and Andrew, as the highest altitude they have reached together so far is 4,200 metres (13,799ft).
Jacob began to raise money for charities after his mother, Andrea, died aged just 49 in St Gemma’s Hospice in 2021. Known as ‘Jacob the Pilot,’ the young fundraiser’s efforts were recognised when he won a Pride of Britain award in 2024.
Jacob said: “I am hoping to join the Air Cadets once I turn 13, and I want to celebrate my birthday on the roof of Africa.
“I'm on a mission to raise a grand total of £100,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund to say thank you to the whole Royal Air Force family for all of the support and amazing opportunities they have given me since my Mum died.
“In September I will be joining the RAF Air Cadets as part of my journey to be an RAF pilot and the following month I will take on a ten day trek in Africa to climb Kilimanjaro, the world's highest free standing mountain, and I hope to reach the summit on my 13th birthday.
“With temperatures expected to be as low as minus 20, high winds, trekking to 5,895 metres (19,340ft), sleeping in a tent and no washing facilities this will be my biggest and toughest challenge yet.”
Jacob’s father Andrew said: “The RAF Benevolent Fund and the whole RAF Family have been incredibly kind to Jacob, especially since he lost his mum to cancer.
“Not only have they helped nurture and strengthen his love of all things aviation, but they have also given him some incredible opportunities that we will never be able to thank them enough for.
“This is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported Jacob through some of the toughest times in his life.”Jacob has raised over £14,600 as part of his fundraiser. The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional and practical assistance to serving and former RAF personnel and their families.