How rapper Aitch’s sister inspired him to climb one of the world’s toughest peaks
How Rapper Aitch’s Sister Inspired His Kilimanjaro Climb
Constantvpn.com – How rapper Aitch’s sister Gracie inspired him to tackle one of the world’s toughest challenges has become a story of determination and love. The Manchester musician has been on a mission to raise awareness and funds for the Down’s Syndrome Association through various adventures. After skydiving and eating raw fish eyes on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Aitch has now conquered Mount Kilimanjaro – literally reaching new heights.
A Sister’s Influence on a Musician’s Journey
How rapper Aitch’s sister has been at the heart of his charitable endeavors. The 26-year-old rapper has been pursuing these challenges to honor his younger sister Gracie, who has Down’s syndrome. Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Aitch describes the 16-year-old as an “absolute legend in the streets of Manchester” and beyond. “Everyone loves her. She’s just a big bottle of light in every room,” he explains. “She’s everyone’s best friend and she’s just got such a positive outlook on the world. I just feel like everyone should be more like her.”
The musician’s incredible journey up Kilimanjaro has been documented in an upcoming Netflix series, Aitch: Don’t Be Afraid. But for Aitch, the climb was about more than personal achievement. He says the whole point was to share how having someone in his life with Down’s syndrome is “one of the best things in the world”. However, the rapper admits he does feel “a little bit of pressure” to increase the scale and fundraising targets of his challenges. “You’ve just got to think about the end goal, which is trying to raise the most money and make the most difference to what’s going on,” he says.
Aitch has “smashed” his fundraising target this time, bringing in more than £160,000 so far from his climb of Africa’s highest peak. The rapper says he was able to handle the altitude and physical elements of the hike, which others in his group struggled with. But the “big mental challenge” was the biggest obstacle for him, he says. Between the early mornings, late nights and the change of climate from rainforest conditions one minute to a blizzard the next, Aitch says it was “just all a lot”. He confesses the group would probably have turned around if they hadn’t been doing the climb for “such a good cause”.
“Where I stand, I’m trying to do what I do to raise awareness. And hopefully that brings people in. Hopefully that makes people want to get a little bit more involved in the whole thing and just spread more awareness than ever.”
Down’s syndrome is when you’re born with an extra chromosome – and people with the condition are likely to have some level of learning disability. How rapper Aitch’s sister has also been the subject of his viral song My G, released in 2022. He thinks it was so popular because it showed the bond between the siblings. “People love genuine things,” he says. “And that relationship there between me and my sister, both of my sisters, is just undeniable. Do you know what I’m saying? So I feel like that’s why people loved it.”
Having grown up as a sibling carer, Aitch has faced challenges and seen Gracie overcome obstacles. Reflecting on how he would advise others in his position who are struggling, he says “you’ve got to see the blessing in it every time”. “I suppose if you ask yourself the question, ‘would you change it for the world?’, there’s probably not a chance,” he says. “So it’s always going to be a bit of a challenge, but sometimes you’ve got to just take it on the chin, keep it stepping and it’ll all be all right.” He also feels there is “always more that can be done” to support young carers and improve understanding around various conditions and learning disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mountain did Aitch climb? Aitch climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
How much money did he raise? He raised more than £160,000 for the Down’s Syndrome Association.
When will the Netflix documentary be available? Aitch: Don’t Be Afraid is available to stream on Netflix from 26 July.
What condition does Aitch’s sister have? Gracie has Down’s syndrome, a condition where you’re born with an extra chromosome.
What song did Aitch write about his sister? He released the viral song My G in 2022, which was about his relationship with Gracie.
