Dad to climb Kilimanjaro in daughter's memory

When Alex Conley climbs Africa's highest mountain, he will be raising money for two charities close to his heart.

Acorns Children's Hospice is where his brave daughter Isabelle "passed away in our arms" at the age of 14 on 9 September 2022.

The Teenage Cancer Trust raised her spirits when she was being treated for a brain tumour in hospital.

Every step Mr Conley takes on his charity trek on 7 December with eight friends, from Burbage, in Hinckley, Leicestershire, will be in memory of Isabelle.

Isabelle was an energetic, healthy, happy and vibrant teenager, he says, who had a contagious smile and laughter, and loved school, playing volleyball, Ju-jitsu and adored holidays.

But in December 2021, she became very poorly with headaches, blurred vision, vomiting and poor balance.

"Our world flipped upside down," he said after the results of a scan.

The scan showed Isabelle had a growth in her brain, which was removed the next day at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"Shortly after, we heard the words no parent should hear - Isabelle had cancer," he said.

Mr Conley said the tumour grew back in weeks after the surgery and "the prognosis changed dramatically".

Isabelle was "brave", he added, as she went through months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and the side effects of the treatments.

"The stuff of nightmares that no child should endure, but she picked herself up after each setback even more fiercely than the last," he said.

Mr Conley said since her death he had fundraised for the two charities, and £10,000 had been raised so far.

"I've got a massive group of friends who are willing to come with me on this journey," he said.

"I initially said no to Kilimanjaro. I thought the task was probably a bit too much.

"But we've been training and looking forward to it, and hope we can all get up there without the altitude problem.

"We miss Isabelle every second. Her bravery, independence, kindness and determination will always be an inspiration to us.

"We live each day for her and her brother, who is still being supported by Acorns."

One friend, Chris Topp, who has known Mr Conley for more than 30 years, said: "We've been to every single charity event Alex has had. So, why not this one as well?

"We can all spur each other on and try and get to the end together."

Another friend, Tom Knapp, said: "I'm always up for outdoorsy adventures, but this one's really special.

"Alex's had a tough time, and we just want to support a mate.

"When Kilimanjaro was suggested, I thought, what a great way of making something positive from a really bad, negative situation."

Mr Conley thanked his friends Jamie Hunt, Andrew Jones, Thomas Clarke, John Shaw, Gerry Wright, Tom Knapp, James Wileman and Chris Topp for their support, and people for their kind donations.

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