Remarkable Recovery Inspires Kilimanjaro Challenge for St Luke’s
A keen mountain climber is preparing to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro for St Luke’s Hospice after the charity supported her best friend through a devastating stage 4 cancer diagnosis, when she was told she had just weeks to live.
When 54-year-old Samantha Dean, from Northwich, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and metastatic bone cancer in December last year, she was admitted to St Luke’s Hospice and faced an uncertain future.
On her initial cancer diagnosis Sam described it as “complete shock and devastation in a heartbeat” but explained that her journey really began at St Luke’s.
“At the beginning of the journey, they told me I only had two to three weeks left. But thankfully, St Luke’s looked after me. Without their support, not just while I was there but for my friends and my family, I don’t know what we would have done. Without St Luke’s, I genuinely don’t think I’d still be here.”
Following surgery, supported by specialist treatment and pain management at St Luke’s, Sam responded well and exceeded expectations. She has since left the hospice and is full of praise for the care she continues to receive through Day Hospice services, as well as the counselling support provided to her two children.
“This has really been a turning point for me, because now I want everyone out there in Cheshire to realise how important this place could be for someone you love. When you’re referred to St Luke’s, you know you’re going to be taken care of because they offer so much more than just palliative care. It’s not like being in hospital at all (being at St Luke’s). The care is so special. It’s an environment that you least expect.”
Inspired by the care and support Sam received at St Luke’s Hospice, Mhari Oakes, from Davenham, has set her sights on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. For Mhari, the challenge is about much more than reaching the summit. Reflecting on Sam’s cancer journey, she said:
“I might be climbing one of the tallest mountains in the world, but Sam had her own mountain to climb. The difference is I’m choosing to climb my mountain, she didn’t get to choose her mountain, but St Luke’s made her climb so much easier.”
To prepare for the challenge, Mhari has been training rigorously, tackling nearly two mountains a week. She has also taken on some of the world’s toughest climbs to prepare for the physical demands and low oxygen levels she will face on Kilimanjaro, including Everest Base Camp, Mount Toubkal in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and Mount Teide in Tenerife. Kilimanjaro offers its own unique challenges, being the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and Africa’s highest peak, with temperature varying from 30 °C at the bottom, to -14 °C at the top.
On taking on Kilimanjaro, Mhari said: “I’ve put in lots of training for this climb, I’m excited but a little nervous as I’ll be going out there solo and meeting up with my guide. But I just want to give something back and say thank you to everybody at St Luke’s who gave Sam such amazing care.”
On Friday 28th August 2026, Mhari will arrive in Africa to begin her eight-day ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, staying in camping huts along the route as she aims to reach the summit.
