Good NewsAt 84 and 85, Vancouver couple becomes oldest to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Martin Kafer, 85, and his wife, Esther, 84, reached Mount Kilimanjaro's summit on Sunday, making them the oldest couple to do so in the world.
They are currently awaiting verification of the fact by Guinness World Records.
The Vancouver couple scaled the 5,985-metre mountain as a fundraiser for Alzheimer's disease, earning more than $24,000. The entire Ascent for the Alzheimer's team raised $210,000, the Province reported.
Martin's sister suffers from the disease.
"On her behalf, as old-timer mountaineers and life-long outdoor enthusiasts we are determined, with your help, to aid the society's aim: to defeat the Alzheimer monster! We have both joined the 2012 team which will hike to the top of Africa's tallest mountain in September — a worthy personal goal in aid of the worthy cause of helping the many people with dementia!" the Kefers wrote for the Ascent for Alzheimer's team.
"Esther and Martin's achievement epitomizes the spirit of the Ascent for Alzheimer's event, which is that no matter how challenging the journey there is support," Jean Blake of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. said in a statement, adding that the couple helped raise "awareness of the society and our cause to whole new heights."
The Kafers first met on a mountain top more than half a century ago. Their 1953 honeymoon was spent climbing the Alps' Matterhorn.
Since then, the mountaineers have ascended numerous British Columbian peaks, and dozens of mountains around the world.
The Kafers are expected back in Vancouver next week.
