Local Duo Conquer Mount Toubkal for The Joshua Tree– and You Can Too!

Local Duo Summit to the Sky: Mount Toubkal Trek

8-11 May 2025: Two local adventurers, Andy Whittaker and long-time friend Kevin Hart, have just returned from an unforgettable challenge, scaling the highest peak in North Africa, Mount Toubkal, all in support of The Joshua Tree, a Cheshire and North Wales based charity supporting families affected by childhood cancers.

The duo, who began walking the Wainwrights in the Lake District over six years ago, had long set their sights on tackling Kilimanjaro. But after the pandemic delayed their plans, they chose Mount Toubkal as their first ultimate test of endurance and altitude and first major summit abroad.

The pair took on the demanding trek over two gruelling days, summiting North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167m. Andy described the experience as, “the hardest thing I’ve ever done—but I’m glad to have done it.”

“We did it over two days and each was a challenge in itself,” said Andy. “Friday was 11.5km with 1,400m of ascent—it was hot and windy. Saturday started early—we left at 4am in the dark for a four-hour trek to the summit, which was still another 1,000m+ up.

Then it was everything we’d walked so far… but in reverse. Over 2,500m of descent and more than 20km back to the starting point.

The hardest part was the altitude. I’ve never experienced anything like it—over the last 500m, every breath was a deep breath. It felt like every time I moved, I was out of breath.

It was well worth all the effort—and none of us had any energy left when we reached the village. The locals and guides were great—they were asking about The Joshua Tree t-shirt and were massively supportive of me and Kev.”

For Andy, fundraising for The Joshua Tree is close to home. He regularly walks past the Sandiway Support Centre with his wife on their local walks. In 2018, his then seven-year-old daughter Evie raised over £1,000 for the charity by climbing Snowdon with friends while serving as the Cuddington and Sandiway Gala Queen. That spirit of giving has remained in the family.

“When we booked Toubkal, raising money for The Joshua Tree was a no-brainer. It’s a great local charity that’s helped so many,” Andy said.

The pair received incredible support from family, friends, and colleagues—and their JustGiving page continues to climb:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-whittaker-1

Summit the Sky: Join the Mount Toubkal Trek for The Joshua Tree

Inspired by Andy and Kev’s journey? You can follow in their footsteps by signing up for The Joshua Tree’s official Mount Toubkal Trek, 29th Sept – 3rd Oct 2025.

This five-day challenge includes two days of exhilarating trekking through Morocco’s breath-taking Atlas Mountains, reaching the 4,167m summit while raising vital funds to support children and families impacted by childhood cancers.

Trip Details:
📅 Dates: 29th Sept – 3rd Oct 2025
📍 Location: Mount Toubkal, Morocco
💷 Trip Cost: £1,600 (includes flights, accommodation, meals, guides & transfers)
🎯 Fundraising Target: £3,400 minimum

Participants are encouraged to self-fund the trip so that every penny raised goes directly to supporting families through their cancer journey.

Ready to Climb for a Cause?

To sign up or find out more, contact amywilkinson@thejoshuatree.org.uk or visit thejoshuatree.org.uk
Secure your place with a £495 registration fee today.

Climb higher. Give back. Make memories that matter.

Learn more about the trek here