Father and son climb Kilimanjaro for Human Appeal

Human Appeal’s global director of fundraising, Zaheer Khan, will travel to Tanzania this summer to climb Mount Kilimanjaro alongside his 16-year-old son, in a powerful father-and-son challenge raising vital funds for Human Appeal’s life-saving humanitarian work.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest freestanding mountain, with a summit 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.

Over seven days, the pair will take on the world’s highest freestanding mountain, turning a deeply personal promise into a public act of solidarity with communities facing crisis. Zaheer first climbed Kilimanjaro 15 years ago, when his son was just one year old, and made a commitment to return when he turned 50 — and when his son was old enough to climb it with him.

The climb was originally planned for last year but was postponed to support his son through exams. In 2026, the goal is finally becoming reality. The campaign has already raised £26,211 for Human Appeal.

Zaheer Khan, global director of fundraising at Human Appeal, said: “Fifteen years ago, I stood on Kilimanjaro and promised myself I’d come back when I turned 50 — and that my son would be by my side. This climb is about keeping that promise, but it’s also about showing what’s possible when we turn determination into compassion. Every step we take is for families who are fighting for the basics: food, clean water, safety, and a future. If our journey inspires even one more person to give, then every tough mile will be worth it.”

Human Appeal works in 30 countries to save and transform lives, providing humanitarian aid where most needed in line with its motto “Here for Every Human”.

Supporters can follow the climb and donate via theirJustGiving page.