THE mother of missing cruise ship worker Rebecca Coriam is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.
Ann Coriam and her husband, Mike, from Guilden Sutton, have spent almost two years trying to uncover the truth about what happened to their daughter.
Rebecca went missing while on board the Disney Wonder cruise liner off the coast of Mexico in March, 2011.
Now Ann is part of a 16-strong team of women who are aiming to climb the 19,341 ft peak – the highest in Africa – in aid of victims of domestic violence.
The climbers are all Victim Support staff and fundraisers and set off for the challenge on February 15.
“Kilimanjaro might be known as the most ‘walkable’ mountain in the world, but it is no walk in the park,” said Ann.
“It is a gruelling, arduous and potentially dangerous trek.
“But that’s nothing compared with what victims of domestic violence have to go through – physically and emotionally.
“I’m climbing Kilimanjaro to ensure victims of domestic violence have somewhere to turn when those closest to them turn on them.
“Please give your support to ensure practical and emotional help for victims of domestic violence can continue in 2013.”
Rebecca was working as a youth worker on board but was reported missing after she failed to turn up for her shift and could not be found on the ship.
Ann and Mike have been campaigning to get the interim police report into her disappearance from the authorities in the Bahamas, where the liner was registered.
Rebecca’s family have criticised the investigation into her disappearance and believe not enough was done to find out the truth about what happened.
Last year Victim Support helped 2,793 victims of domestic violence in Cheshire.
The charity’s staff and volunteers give emotional support, practical help and information to anyone affected by crime, regardless of whether or not it has been reported to the police.
All of the profits the climb raises will go to support men, women and children who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
You can sponsor Ann on the team’s Just Giving page at
www.justgiving.com/girlsontop-kilimanjaro.