From Summit to Service: Christopher Abboud’s Kilimanjaro Journey for The HALO Trust

At just 13 years old, Christopher Nicholas Abboud reached the summit of Kilimanjaro alongside his father Sam Abboud in one of the fastest ascents ever recorded on an LHO expedition in just 5 hours and 30 minutes. For Christopher and Sam, the climb was not only a personal challenge but also a meaningful effort to raise support for The HALO Trust.

The climb, organized by Life Happens Outdoors and led personally by founder Rami Rasamny on what was his 30th ascent of the mountain, was far from an easy walk to the top. The route tested both Chris and Sam with long days of trekking, bitter cold at higher altitudes, and the inevitable physical strain of pushing the body beyond its comfort zone. But it was in those moments of hardship, when the thin air made every step feel heavier and when exhaustion pressed on every muscle, that a deeper transformation began to take shape.

For Christopher, this was a true coming of age. Few experiences challenge a young person’s resolve like facing the steep slopes of Kilimanjaro in the predawn darkness, knowing there are still hours of climbing ahead. The mountain strips away distraction and demands presence. Along the way, Christopher bonded deeply with the team, drawing strength from their encouragement and learning from their resilience. He grew not just as a climber but as a person, discovering the value of trust, camaraderie, and shared purpose. And when a father and son share that journey, when they face the same doubts, encourage each other through the same battles, and celebrate the same milestones, the bond forged is something that lasts a lifetime.

Adding to the meaning of the expedition was the presence of Tom Hammill, a former Royal Marine and current HALO Trust operative working in landmine removal. Sam had personally sponsored Tom to join the climb, believing that his experience and perspective would add something invaluable. For both Chris and Sam, Tom’s inclusion brought the mission into sharper focus. Here was someone whose life’s work is dedicated to making the world safer, clearing the remnants of conflict so that communities can thrive. His stories and example made the summit feel like more than just a personal victory. It became a symbol of service and responsibility.

Initiatives like this are woven into the fabric of the Life Happens Outdoors community. From supporting The HALO Trust to sharing the trail with pioneers like Hari Budha Magar, the first double over the knee amputee to summit Everest and Aconcagua, and Fred Sfeir, the blind adventurer redefining what is possible, LHO believes in more than just reaching summits. These journeys are about transformation, resilience, and the ripple effect of inspiration.

For Christopher and Sam, Kilimanjaro will always be more than a mountain. It will be the place where they tested themselves, grew together, and stood side by side in service of a cause bigger than themselves. It is a story of challenge and change, the kind of story that shapes who we are and how we choose to walk through the world.

You can help continue this mission. Support Christopher’s fundraiser for The HALO Trust and stand with him in creating safer futures for communities around the world. Click here to donate and make a difference today.