Elle Gedge and a gang of family and friends are taking on Africa’s highest mountain on Friday, in memory of mum, Ali. Here, the financial adviser at Norfolk Wealth Management explains why they are raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Elle Gedge and I’m a financial adviser at Norfolk Wealth Management. We’re based in Thorpe St Andrew and have a brilliant team who genuinely care about helping clients achieve their financial goals and aspirations. I’ve been a financial adviser for over five years now and I’m really passionate about what I do. I love building long-lasting relationships with clients across Norfolk and Suffolk and helping them plan for their future — whether that’s retirement planning, investing, protecting what they’ve worked so hard to build, or making sure their money goes to the right people. Norfolk Wealth Management was established by Dan Hurren in 2012 and has grown into a team of seven advisers with a fantastic support team. We have a lovely office in Thorpe St Andrew where clients are always welcome.
Are you Norfolk born and raised? What do you love about living and working in the county?
Yes — I’m Norfolk born and raised, and I absolutely love it here. I’m a real countryside person and Norfolk gives you the best of all worlds: beautiful beaches, stunning countryside and a vibrant city. Outside of work, I love walking my cocker spaniel Dolly and spending time with my horses, Sinbad and Chrystal, who I share with my cousin Amy. Being able to enjoy the outdoors so close to home is something I really treasure.
What has led you to wanting to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro this month?
I’m climbing Kilimanjaro in memory of my mum, who sadly passed away in 2016 from a stage 4 glioblastoma brain tumour. She had a short but incredibly brave battle and was only 47 years old. January 2026 marks 10 years since she passed away, and raising money and awareness for brain tumours has been really important to me ever since. If we can help save even one family from going through what ours did, it will be completely worth it. Kilimanjaro is the penultimate challenge and we’re feeling excited and nervous in equal measures.
What charity are you raising money for — and why?
We’re raising money for the Ali Ling Fund, which is a supporter group of The Brain Tumour Charity. The funds raised go towards improving the early diagnosis of brain tumours, which is so important as symptoms are often picked up far too late. Earlier diagnosis can make such a huge difference, and that’s why this cause means so much to me.
How is the training going (in relatively flat Norfolk!)?
Training is going… okay! Living in Norfolk definitely isn’t ideal when you’re trying to prepare for a mountain, so we’ve had to travel further afield to find some proper hills. My partner Scott and I have spent time training in both the Peak District and the Lake District to try and replicate the climbs. Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do about the altitude here — but our dogs Dolly and Charlie have certainly enjoyed the extra-long walks!
Is this the biggest challenge you have done so far? Who will be joining you?
This is by far the biggest physical challenge I’ve ever taken on. I feel like I’ve already faced my biggest mental challenge, but physically this is completely new territory for me. I’ll be joined by 15 close family members and friends, which makes it even more special. That includes my partner Scott, my cousin Amy, my cousins Stevie, Sydney and Sam (Ali’s nieces and nephews), Sam’s partner George, Sydney’s partner Victoria and her friend Lucy, as well as my childhood best friends Megan B, Megan S and Meredith. We also have Megan S’s partner Alex, his dad Colin and brother Adam, and Megan B’s partner Dave. Having such an amazing support network around me means everything.
What is the next challenge for you?
I’m not entirely sure yet! My main goal is to help get the Ali Ling Fund to over £100,000, but I think I’ll see how this challenge goes first before committing to the next one. The nerves are definitely kicking in!
How can people find out more about the challenge — and support you?
You can find out more about the challenge and follow our journey here: The Ali Ling Fund takes on Kilimanjaro – The Brain Tumour Charity. Any support donations or words of encouragement mean the world to me and the whole team — thank you so much. Link to donate: The Brain Tumour Charity: Elle Kilimanjaro Summit Climb – Lemosho Route
Visit The Ali Ling Fund takes on Kilimanjaro – The Brain Tumour Charity and The Brain Tumour Charity: Elle Kilimanjaro Summit Climb – Lemosho Route.
Featured image of Elle Gedge – supplied
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