Update : 05/09/11 WE MADE IT TO THE SUMMIT !
Up at 02:30am we were there for dawn to see the sun rise above a cloud base that blanketed the African savanna way below.
To see more photos please use the slideshow facility here.
Despite a valiant effort, 2/3 of the way up the last push to the summit, sadly Lucy became sick (having run a temperature for most of the climb) and was unable to continue. With only 1,500ft altitude left to reach the summit (about 16,500ft) she, Catherine and a porter returned to Shipton's (top camp).
We are SO grateful to all for your generosity, so far and please feel free to continue to donate as Mental Health in Africa is a serious issue just like it is everywhere in the world but, in Kenya it is completely ignored and unfunded.
This is why The Kamili Organisation (click the link) is unique and so important. So far it meets the needs of only 1,600 patients around Nairobi due to lack of resources.
The Wray family and Iona James (Lucy's school friend) would like to raise funds for Kamili while climbing Mount Kenya next week. Kamili was created and is directed in Nairobi by Melanie Blake (Adrian's sister). The clinics rely entirely on self financed fundraising and volunteers to keep their good work going.
Our climb is completely self funded, all your donations will go to Kamili, although via "Bread and Water for Africa" because Kamili do not have their own Just Giving web site.
We start at roughly 10,000 feet and climb to nearly 17,500 feet, it is a tough 4 day trek. As we gasp for oxygen and wonder why we ever set out on this trip, your donations will keep us going.
The money will continue to maintain and expand the current two clinics in Nairobi, as well as helping Kamili with its dream to provide a mobile mental health facility in Nairobi district.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
