From the summit of Kilimanjaro to Largs RNLI
March 2026 will be remembered by Dr Allan McKinnon as the month he made it to the top of the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, while raising funds for the RNLI.
66-year-old Allan who lives in Skelmorlie is a keen sea kayaker and felt a strong desire to fundraise for the charity which saves lives at sea. So, when the opportunity arose for him to take on Mount Kilimanjaro for a second time he knew exactly who he would like to fundraise for.
Having summited the mountain previously, 33 years ago, Allan was aware of the monumental challenge which awaited when he travelled to Africa in early March 2026. Joined this time by his son Jonathan, and his friend Sandy MacPherson, the three adventurers took on the epic challenge of climbing the 5895 meters.
On the morning of March 8, after battling gruelling blizzard conditions, high altitude and physical exhaustion, with determination and resilience, all three successfully made it to the summit at Uhuru Peak.
While wrapped up against the cold, Allan donned an RNLI t-shirt and the three posed together with a Saltire flag for photographs at the summit and a moment of reflection on their achievement and the impact their fundraising will have on the charities they have each supported before they began the arduous decent.
Allan, who decided to equally split the funds he raised in this challenge between the RNLI and the Moshi Christian Children’s Centre in Tanzania, explained; ‘I have long admired the work of the RNLI. It’s been my real privilege to help raise money for them and to contribute a little to this vital life-saving service’.
On Tuesday 7 April 2026, Allan visited Largs RNLI lifeboat station and was able to meet some of the volunteer crew and share the details of his epic adventure.
As a charity, the RNLI relies on fundraising by people just like Allan. Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Griffiths said; ‘I would like to express my thanks on behalf of everyone at Largs RNLI lifeboat station for Allan’s dedication. Fundraising like this makes a real difference, allowing the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea.
‘Massive well done to Allan, Jonathan and Sandy - what an amazing achievement!’
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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