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Made In Chelsea’s James Dunmore takes on gruelling challenge after losing both sisters

Best of luck with your challenge, James!

Made In Chelsea star James Dunmore is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of his two sisters, who both died from cystic fibrosis.

The reality star, 27, tragically lost siblings Lucinda and Jodi within the space of just 20 months.

Lucinda was 19 years old when she died in March 2007 after coming down with the flu.

James is dating his Made In Chelsea co-star Lucy Watson (Credit: Grant Buchanan / FlynetPictures.co.uk)

James told Mail On Sunday that Lucinda’s death was a “horrific time” for the family, especially for Jodi.

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Jodi passed away the following November at the age of 22, after falling unwell while out shopping.

James recalled: “She hugged my mum in hospital and told her she was going to die. Mum knew she was right. Jodi had never got over Lucinda dying, and she’d just given up.”

He added: “Both situations unravelled so fast and suddenly they were just gone.”

James will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October (Credit: Instagram @james_dunmore)

James does not have cystic fibrosis.

He told the newspaper he’ll be tested to see if he’s a carrier when the time comes to start a family.

James spoke to Mail on Sunday ahead of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in October to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis.

On his official Just Giving page, he wrote: “As many of you know, I sadly lost my two sisters, Jodi and Lucinda to Cystic Fibrosis (CF) some 9 and 11 years ago.

“This year marks a sort of 10 year anniversary of their passings, so I thought why not mark the occasion with a memorable feat.

James completing a Tough Mudder race in aid of cystic fibrosis research and awareness last year (Credit: Instagram @james_dunmore)

“I will be starting my assent of Mt Kilimanjaro on 14th October 2018 in memory of my sisters, to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis, and most importantly, to raise money toward finding a cure for this awful illness.”

James, who is dating Made In Chelsea co-star Lucy Watson, described it as his “hardest challenge to date”.

“The 7 day trek of Africa’s highest peak will see us trek a distance of approx 93km up to an altitude of 5895 meters above sea level,” he said, adding he’ll endure daily six-hour hikes, altitude sickness and other mental and physical hurdles.

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He concluded: “CF is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Currently, half of those with CF will not live past age 41.

“I want to say a huge thank you to those joining me on this adventure and of course to the generous folk sponsoring me. Every donation be it large or small truly does mean a lot, so thank you.”

James with girlfriend Lucy Watson (Credit: Instagram @james_dunmore)

James has also been using social media to push a petition urging the government to make the medicine Orkambi available on the NHS for people with cystic fibrosis.

The petition now has more than 111,000 signatures.

It says: “Conventional CF treatments target the symptoms of CF, precision medicines like Orkambi tackle the cause of the condition. Though Orkambi is not a cure, it has been found to slow decline in lung function, the most common cause of death for people with CF, by 42%.”

Good luck, James.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor