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FINAL(ISH) UPDATE - by Andy

It's now Sunday. After a leisurely 27 hour return.. via Mombassa,Addis Ababa , Rome and LHR, Joni and I are now safely home again with our loved ones

20 of our group of 26 did succeed in reaching the summit, though everyone single person was successful in challenging themselves to be pushed further than can be imagined

We both met and enjoyed the friendships of another amazing 24 people - from all walks of life. Each with an interesting and poignant reason for why they had undertaken this challenge. I myself have never been pushed so hard physically and mentally - but the rewards of the whole experience will stay with us forever.

The guides and support crew - led by Whitey, Patrick , Chunga and Jimmy - were incredible. These people enjoy life, nothing is too much for them , without them you would not conquer the mountain.

A large thanks to my lovely wife Mandy for deciphering my garbled texts and letting a broader audience know how we were getting on ! As mentioned it was strength to both of us out in Tanzania knowing so many people were willing us on

Thank you all so much - Andy and Joni

 

UPDATE ON THE CLIMB - By Mandy Bryant

Friday

Have just spoken to Andy on the phone from their hotel.They've just arrived after a 6 hour trek down which was very difficult - almost as difficult as the climb Andy said. They are both exhausted. I misunderstood Andy's text and unfortunately Joni wasn't able to make it to the top, although he did get to base camp.They don't think he had altitude sickness but more likely it was exhaustion. Apart from fatigue they are both fine and looking forward to a shower and a sleep in comfortable beds tonight before they leave to come home tomorrow afternoon.

They said to say thank you to all those people who have sponsored and who have been following their progress.It has meant so much to them to have the support of so many friends.

Text messages received from Andy

Day 5 (thurs)

I MADE IT! So many emotions! Only 10 of us in group (26 started).8 hours up,4 down scree surfing,was awful.22 hours walking in last 27,physically and mentally exhausting with just 2 hours sleep.Wanted to give up so many times but an incredible experience.Still have to make it down.We need a shower! Joni recovering.    

Day 4 (weds)

Up at 5.30am,both slept ok.Joni feeling better.Just scrambled up Baranco Wall, 2 hours holding onto rockface,didn't look down.Were so nervous,big adrenalin rush.Beautiful day so far.

Joni has had a relapse.He's on antisickness drugs and diamox.Have been walking for 8 hours.Another 3 hrs to go to get to base before a few hours rest and then the summit attempt late tonight in time for the sunrise.Not sure at the moment if Joni will make it.

Day 3 (tues)

Lack of signal today.So cold overnight even with 3 layers.It took 18 people 4 hrs to stretcher the two ladies with altitude sickness to a position where they could go down the mountain.

10 gruelling hours,another one in group taken down.Joni has been sick all afternoon, went to bed early.Everyone has been affected by the altitude.I've just had headaches.Hit 4500 metres, now lower to sleep.Had sun,hail,rain and snow today.Morning so exhausting,fatigue kicking in,people questioning why they are doing this!  

Day 2 pm

Been hammering down for 2 hours,visibility about 30 yards.Just dispensed with shorts (I was only one in group wearing them!).Tricky as water coming down rockface and having to use hands to pull ourselves up.Just had lunch, best soup ever and then spaghetti.Glad to have poles as would have fallen over a few times.Hope my bag is dryish.Temperature has dropped.

Wet through.Put on wet jacket over wet layers.Beanie and gloves on, then sun came out!Tricky against sheer rock face,guides helping us - we are not looking down! Over waterfalls and rockpools.Ten minutes from camp the drizzle started again!

End of the day and glorious sunshine yet well below freezing. Can see townlights way down below.Thermals on tonight!2 of party being taken down due to altitude sickness - their trip is over.Another 6 have symptoms.7 litres of water each drunk today,off to bed......pee bottle to hand!

Day 2 (mon) am

Drizzling since early am.Very slippery rock face and muddy. About 5 people in group suffering from onset of altitude sickness.Slept ok.Humid but cloud cover.Porridge with honey then eggs and beans for breakfast.We are well fed! We are walking through cloud at about 11,000 feet.

Guides (4 of them) are singing all the time but limited to Bob Marley and Abba! Last night had cucumber soup and beef stew for dinner.

Day 1 pm

Day complete.3000m.Bit slippery in places.Feel ok.Popcorn n tea b4 dinner!Been raining for last hour but nice and cool.On edge of rainforest.Tea tastes so good!

Day 1 (sun) am

At Machame gate (ready to start) doing formalities.26 people in group including 3 ladies from scotland aged about 60! Saw mountain way above cloud level - can't believe how high it is! Some cloud cover, hot and humid.No mozzie bites yet!  

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Not sure if it is part of a mid-life crisis, or simply the knowledge that as we'll never run a marathon, we wanted to do something a little different !

In February, Joni and myself will be attempting to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro - The highest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5896m ( just under 20,000 feet). Hopefully this will cure Andy's fear of heights in the process

We are already undergoing intense training, now regularly walking to the pub rather than driving :-)

On a serious note -  as we do this,  we are raising funds for a small local charity - Helen and Douglas House

Helen & Douglas House is a registered charity providing respite and end of life care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, as well as support and friendship for the whole family. The two hospice houses are bright, vibrant and positive places, where the emphasis is on living life to the full, even when that life may be short

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.  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 - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Cheers- Andy & Joni