Climbing Kilimanjaro

Your expedition will no doubt be subcontracted to a local outfitter in
Tanzania. You should consider the route you'll be taking and the
duration of the ascent. If they try to cut corners you won't have time
to acclimatise properly and may well end up disappointed you didn't
make the summit.
The weather will be ideal in January - you'll see little if any rain
and can walk in shorts and tee shirt or maybe a light fleece more or
less to the highest camp at around 15500ft although the nights are
somewhat cooler - after that it gets a bit cold!
Take plenty of fluids on board (3-4 litres/day) - wear a pair of
comfortable boots, and don't forget the malaria tabs. You WILL notice
some effects of altitude - it's inevitable at 19000ft - just cross your
fingers you don't react badly. Once you get to the top don't assume the
descent will be easy - it's not. The altitude sickness got to me as we
came to descend and I found coming down the upper scree slopes the
hardest part of the trek as my legs turned to jelly!
Having said that, if you take it on you'll be left with unforgettable
memories.
Good luck.

Thanks to all for suggestions. Unfortunately I do not plan to take part in
this event this time on the grounds that I cannot see a realistic way to
raise £3000 in 3 months.
I have since learnt that the trip was first planned in March by 3 others, 2
of whom have pulled out due to leaving the company.
I have not ruled out the possibility of doing this event in the future but
with more time to raise the funds.

Nick