Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the toughest tasks in the world, but a team of six completed it in just four days - while carrying a PVC-U window!

Richard Barlow, Darren Larkin and Gary Beech from UK Window Systems in Stoke, along with Richard’s two friends and cousin, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, in October.

The challenge, which was sponsored by leading PVC-U and PVC-UE building products manufacturer Kestrel among others in the industry, aimed to raise money for the FSID charity (Foundation for the Study of Infant Death) in memory of Richard’s baby son Finlay who died in 2011 at just 21 days old.

“The climb went really well,” said Richard. “It took four days in all, and on the last day we walked day and night to reach the summit.

 “A few of us suffered from altitude sickness, which wasn’t great, but we had tablets to help us.”

 The team have so far raised a staggering £26,448.05, attracting sponsorship from many in the fenestration and glazing industry.

 With a number of other events including open days and a Black Tie Ball, they hope to eventually reach their target of £30,000.

 Richard said: “The FSID work endlessly to try and find answers, in the hope that one day no parent will have to lose a child in the same way that we have lost our baby, Finlay George.”

 Simon Reynolds, Kestrel’s sales and marketing director said: “We were deeply humbled by this story so wanted to donate to such a worthwhile cause.

 “Congratulations to everyone involved.”

 Donations are still being accepted on Richard’s Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/Richard-Barlow2