VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – They’ve climbed over 500 mountains but this one could be the most significant.

Vancouver couple Martin and Esther Kafer are in their eighties and will attempt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for the Alzheimer Society of BC. They will also try to become the oldest couple to summit Africa’s highest peak.

Martin, 85, says as he climbs, his mind will be on his sister, suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s in a care home.

“In addition to breathing hard — and hopefully keeping up to Esther — I’ll definitely think of [my sister] and all the other people that we are trying to help through the Alzheimer’s Society.”

Esther, who is a year younger than her husband at 84, says she lives by once simple rule that helps her climb mountains at her age.

“[It's about] staying fit, doing it all the time, never giving up. You know my husband has had two hip replacements and before he had the first one, the day before he hiked up Grouse Mountain.”

The Kafer’s are hoping people will climb the Grouse Grind September 30th as they are climbing Kilimanjaro — all to raise money for the society.