Story

I did the Midnight Candlelit walk for Clatterbridge on Friday 12th November. It was a sad sad day, it was the day we said goodbye to Marie. There was a great turnout from school and families in memory of Marie. On the Walk I saw mates from PARAMOUNT who were stewarding the event. Paul Mansi gave me £100 and Alex Dowling gave me £20 to donate online for my Climb. Thank you so much Lads. In the Words of Martina McBride's song "Goodbye", "Today my heart is big and sore,it's trying to push right through my skin, I won't see you anymore, I guess it's finally sinking in". On November 2nd we lost my friend Marie Rowlands to this nasty horrible robbing disease. Marie was an incredibly gifted Teacher, a great Mum and a brilliant friend. Anyone who met her couldn't help but love her. She was the best of all of us and in truth, the best anyone could wish to be. I will miss her so much.Marie was a bubbly character that just lit up a room by walking in to it. She never complained about being ill and I can honestly say I never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She was an amazing lady and the days now seem colder and the world a sadder place without her. Goodnight God Bless Hun x.   HURRAY !!!! July 1st 2010. My climb and webpage were mentioned in the latest copy of Council People Magazine in Liverpool. Nice that old work colleagues that I may have lost touch with will now read about my efforts   JUNE 9th 2010. Today was a strange day, full of rememberance, laughter and tears. Today was the Celebration of the life of Linda Harris, Deputy Head of Whitefield Primary School, as well as many other things in her life. Linda was a mother to Laura, a mentor to some, a leader to others, a friend to many, so many different aspects of Linda were remembered today.  Linda gave 38 years of her life to teaching inner city Liverpool kids. she was an outstanding teacher who was dedicated to the children in her care. She was a larger than life character who once met was never forgotten. The Memorial Service was at times funny, witty, full of memories, there was a lot of laughter and sharing of Linda stories, but as ever these things always are it was tinged by sadness. The number of ex pupils who attended the service was testiment to the impact and effect that a Teacher can have on the life of a person in their formative years.   BORED NOTHING TO DO ? SIGN UP FOR THE RACE FOR LIFE Get Fit, have Fun and raise some cash to fight this disease. You don't have to run, just walk it, take the kids along, take a picnic, have a day out in the park.... Can't do it yourself ??? Sponsor someone who can. Come on I climbed a mountain, you can walk 5K or 10K, Get some training in now. Believe me the Buzz from achieving what you set out to do is so worth it. NEED INSPIRATION ? Listen to Melissa Etheridges' songs  "I Must Go Away" and " I Run For Life", Melissa is 2 year clear of Breast Cancer. (Congratulations Melissa, I love you and always will), I've never met Melissa, but have been inspired by her Music for so many years. She she is outspoken on many issue, gay rights etc and she is the concience of a nation much like Steve Earle, Bob Dylan or Joan Baez, we need more people like her. UPDATE 21st March. The Charity night was a really big success in the respect that 3 artists gave stellar performances. Some fantastic people came together and had a brilliant night. I even got to meet a lovely lady called Felicity Wren form the Domino Gallery, who wishes to put on an exhibition of my photographs and will sell some prints of them for Cancer Research UK. As you can see we have broken the £2500 barrier. Raising money was always a priority, but raising awareness and giving people a lift who have been affected by this disease is just as big a priority. I feel that last night we did that and more. Jeff was brilliant, a real 10 star performance. Alun and his new band had their first outing together and were outstanding. TJ and Murphy were real stars, they stole the hearts of everyone who heard them last night. It is surely only a matter of time until these guys are playing much bigger venues. All 3 artists were amazing. If you missed out then I'm sorry, you really did miss something special.   JUST A THOUGHT.... I should really thank the artists and people who have made the Charity night possible so here goes.PAUL SULLIVAN Paul has provided the venue @ Static Gallery Roscoe lane free of charge. He is a good friend and a good man. THOMAS JOSEPH AND MURPHY, probably the best act in Liverpool at the moment. These guys are 2 of the finest guitarists with harmonies that others only aspire to. They back this up with original arrangements and songs that are intelligent, thought provoking and inspirational. (Yes I did play their song "Free Man Walking" on the very top of Kilimanjaro).They are true Liverpool originals and they will be signed by a major record label soon. This together with the fact that they are nice guys too and were first to sign up for tonight without a second thought. I really do love these guys.  ALUN PARRY , Alun is responsible for the Liverpool Working Class Music Festival. He is a talented songwriter who's songs carry on a tradition of Folk and rebellion, whilst being contempory and entertaining. Alun is a great guy, intelligent and witty and that shows in his songs. I love that Alun sings about things that matter and my hometown of Liverpool in particular. Please support the Working Class Music Festival. Alun was only too happy to help out with tonight, a great guy with a big heart. JEFF JEPSON, Jeff contacted me through TJ and Murphy's manager Billy, I'd seen Jeff play at the Picket, but to have him play tonight is a privelage. This guy, mixes albums for people, produces music and plays in a unique and brilliant style of his own.Like I said I'd seen Jeff play at the picket, but he blew me away when he played bass at TJ and Murphy's album launch. A real talent, one to watch. STEVE JAMES Steve is our DJ tonight, a great lad who offered to play when I met him at a party back on Halloween, he is a really nice bloke and I'm sure if you need a DJ, you can speak to him tonight. He is a really genuine lad. BILLY MEALEY, Billy is TJ and Murphy's manager, a great friend who has had a belief in me when mine faulterd. He has helped so much in publicity, getting this show on and supporting my efforts. In case I forget tonight Billy, Thank you. You are a true friend and I could not have done this without you. (If you want to book TJ and Murphy, Billy is the man to speak to). THANK YOU LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB FOR INCLUDING A PIECE ON MY CLIMB IN THE PROGRAMME FOR THE PORTSMOUTH GAME 15TH MARCH. I hope that this is seen by the thousands of Liverpool fans who cheer the Reds on week in week out. Please donate if you are able, even £1 is a £ towards the cure and a £ we didn't have before.   TONY O'KEEFE Sadly Liverpool FC lost one of it's greatest supporters to this disease on Saturday 13th March. Tony O'Keefe who for some 30 years trained St Johns Staff and LFC Stewards sadly passed away, he will be missed. Tony was one of those unsung heroes who attended every game without pay, but was there for anyone who needed him at Anfield. Tony was one of the best men I ever knew. I am proud to call him my friend.    YES I HAVE DONE IT !!!   CHECK THE PHOTO'S THE STORY IS FURTHER DOWN THE PAGE !!!! READ ON, HAVE A LAUGH, THEN GET YOUR DOSH OUT AND DONATE, IT IS A GOOD CAUSE !!!!! OH YES AND IF YOU DO OWE SPONSOR MONEY COUGH IT UP, THIS IS HARD ENOUGH WITHOUT CHASING UP PEOPLE WHO CONVIENIENTLY FORGET TO PAY UP !!!!!   HABARI GANI RIFIKI ASANTE SANA KARIBU.  (hello and how are you my friend, thank you and welcome). (Swahilli). My name is Jimmy Couzens, but you might know me  as the Learning Mentor at Whitefield Primary,  Head Steward at Liverpool, Doorman at the Picket or the Static, Doorman at Vinci, Head Steward for Paramount, Summer Pops, Africa Oye, Matthew Street Festival, Schoolboy Football, Sunday League Football and about a Thousand other places. You might know me through a friend or you may have just stumbled across my page, but you are welcome please read on.  As many of you know, I have dreamed of climbing Killimanjaro since I was a child, something about that mountain captured my imagination. That and the fact that it was in every boys comic book story about Africa especially my favourite the Lion, but here's the thing, Kids from Liverpool just don't go to Africa, a weekend at Butlins, day trips to Wales maybe, but Africa !!!!! Then I grew up and the world was just not so big, Dreams were suddenly possible. July/August 09 I took my daughter to Kenya and stood in awe before the majesty that was Killimanjaro. I chose Cancer Reasearch UK as my charity for many reasons, I lost my Mother to cancer as a child, my sisters had scares with cirvical cancer I had a scare with some polyps.  I've had friends and other family members affected by this nasty robbing thieving disease, but mostly I chose Cancer Research UK because teachers and support staff in my school Whitefield Primary school have been hit really hard by this disease in all of it's horrible forms in recent years, but last year was the worst. I'm doing this climb for all the right reasons. I really want to see an end to this disease, not just for now, but for all time. Here's how things are, I have paid for the trip, £1,600, that is done. The price of the trip and the time are my contribution, everything raised goes to Cancer Reasearch UK, there's no hidden agenda's, I'm not asking for a free trip to Africa to fulfill my dreams....... (Just wanted you all to know that as a couple of people have asked about who was paying).   HERE'S THE UPDATE THAT YOU'VE WAITED FOR ....... THE CLIMB, MY STORY...... BY JIMMY COUZENS. I left Liverpool on February 14th, Valentines day. so here is the blow by blow account of my time in Tanzania and my efforts to conquer Kilimanjaro. DAY 1 Delays and Eva Braun Feb 14th, I left for the airport at 2.30am. The airport was quiet apart from a few hard drinking Latvians heading for Riga and some Girls heading to Espania. The KLM check in said open on the board, but as ever no one arrived at the desk until 4am. At this point the quiet was shattered by a group of loud obnoxious teenagers and their Teachers from somewhere Wooley. I checked in and went to get some peace and quiet, NO CHANCE, these kids had got through their check in and were so loud they drowned out my IPOD. Now here's a thing, I was checked in by KLM and told that I was free to go through security get a drink and whatever. I was told that I was checked right through to Kilimanjaro airport and didn't have to recheck in at Schipol, Amsterdam. So I bought a bottle of coke and a bottle of water, put them in my bag and got on the KLM Fokker Jet (Yes I thought that joke too, Cheeky Fokker !!!! ),and flew to Amsterdam. First problem, Amsterdam was covered in snow and my plane was delayed by 2 hours or so, but then we were asked to put our bags through scanners again, just carry ons you understand, the big bag was already on board. Enter MRS HITLER, Eva Braun is alive and well and works for G4S security at Schipol airport. "You Vill Come Here", she barked, "Open ze bag", I wasn't about to mess with Brunhilda, so I complied, "No and No", she took my bottles of coke and water from me. I pointed out that both were bought after I had walked through security in Liverpool airport, both were still sealed. "You did not buy zem here in our airport zerefore zey are not allowed on ze plane". I then pointed out that under the guidelines of the human rights commission, (Which Holland championed). it is illegal to deny any human being water. "Zen I shall empty Zis bottle and you may refill it from zat fountain over zere", I looked around just as a French guy gobbed into the water fountain. "Don't bother love" I said and walked away. I looked back to see her triumphant smirk and she then hollered "NEXT". The flight had missed it's slot and the wings had iced up, so a further 40 minutes delay whilst we got our wings sprayed with de icer. We finally got under way. I was sat next to Jean Paul De Rossnay and his wife who worked a sugar plantation just outside Moshi. I met his daughter who'd climbed Kili 3 times and then I ate the beef........  NOW I can't prove it, but my guts were rancid after that beef, it did taste a bit funny, but hey I've eaten some really dodgy food in my time, so a funny taste to me just means I might not have tasted those spices before..... BAD MISTAKE !!! Anyway, back to the plot, we landed in Kilimanjaro at about midnight, then the Circus started. We had to fill in forms about swine flu and stand in line for Visas. As we stood in line men in Doctors coats,(OK white Lab coats),collected the forms. I never filled mine in, I just put it in my pocket and waited in line for my Visa, another $50. Got through customs and onto a minivan shared transport to go to the Hotel, New Hitch, Some nice American Kids had lost one of their bags so we had to wait another hour whilst they filled in forms to try and find the bag. We got to the Springland Hotel Moshi at ridiculous O Clock and checked in.  I walked around the hotel grounds and sat for about an hour with the security Guards at the front gate. After a chat and a chance to practice my dodgy Swahilli I went to bed, it was 4am. DAY 2  Bad Stomach, Jet Lag, and Pine Forest. I awoke at about 5am, now Jet lagged and my stomach was killing me. I packed for the mountain and went to Breakfast. 4 Glasses of fruit Juice and a Coffee failed to move the gut ache so I weighed my bag, checked out of the hotel and introduced myself to Nur the Gap Rep. He in turn introduced me to Mike, Rose, Al and Debbie my Canadian Climbing Buddies. We set off in a van with our Barers and Guides for the great adventure. Our driver and chief guide I found out were Liverpool fans, so I gave them my Scarf and Hat, Come on you Reds !!! We stopped for lunch in some tiny town, I had nothing but some apple juice,(Yuk I hate that stuff). During lunch there was a soap opera blaring out from an old TV, the locals were engrossed, we could barely hear each other speak, as we left I gave some sweets to the local kids. Then I had to give some sweets to our kids, (The Barers). We arrived at the Marangu Gate, paid the park fees and set off on half built roads and dusty tracks round the mountain to our starting point. Then it happend...... We had just signed in in the park register and my bowels decided to evacuate with hardly any warning, luckily there was a toilet nearby....... NO !!!!   It may have looked like a toilet and been signposted like a toilet,but it was a long drop, a hole in the ground with a foot pad either side for you to squat on. It stunk and that brought on the vomiting. So Jet lagged, tired, vomiting and suffering diarrhoea I set off up the mountain. Walking up through the pine forest, my bowels grumbled and groaned, but I kept my mind on the scenery as I wearily trudged up the hill. We met some school kids near some farms and I gave out sweets and lollypops. They walked with us about a mile then cut off toward home. The Sun was burning through the pine forest and we stopped for shade and to drink some water. It was a good day to be alive I thought to myself as I surveyed the horizon and across the Kenyan plains. Then the grumbling in my bowels brought me back to Earth. Stomach cramps and ........OH MY GOD !!!  maybe it was not such a good day after all ??? From time to time I had to jump in the bushes, ( Oh come on It was better than nothing !!! ),at one time I was squatting in the bush and our barers walked past. All of them politely said hello, I just smiled and replied "Jambo" rather sheepishly. (One did however stop to point out that I might like to use some sun block as a sun burned butt is not a good idea).  Mike tried to chat to me about music and sports, but I was as weak as a kitten and started to lag behind. The main group moved on and Raymond and John Chief Guide and assistant guide respectively stayed with me. We got into camp about 6pm, Raymond mixed up some friut juice, water, salt and sugar to replace electrolites and I went to bed. Our cook brought me boiling water and checked on me offering food, but I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. DAY 3 Feeling Better ? No, then Alpine Desert and Split Boots I awoke about 6 am, had a Washy washy as our cook called it, but come 730am I just didn't want to eat, so I just drank black tea. We set off for Second Cave Camp, Mike bless him had me talking about music and we sang odd lines of old pop songs to each other. Then the unthinkable happend, I tripped on a rock and split my left boot, soul going flappy flappy up and down. Mike called Andreya, but his Gaffer tape was buried deep in his pack, so John passed over some Blue tape, and the 'Blue footed Booby' was born.(Nice one Al, Thanks for that). Mike really tried to help me, but I lagged behind again, I really thought I was going to have to quit.I got into camp about an hour and a half after the others. I ate a tiny bit of chicken, took a bite of whatever that stuff was on my plate and then lay down for an couple of hours sleep. I awoke just before 4pm and went with the others on an hour long climb to help with acclimatisation, I actually managed to keep up, had I started to feel better ? I thought so. I ate a bit of dinner and went to bed. Bad idea that sleep stuff, I awoke in the middle of the night and went to the toilet, nothing happend, I felt light headed and fell down so I just looked at the wonderful stars for about 10 minutes and went back to bed. Can I just say, if for no other reason, you should visit Africa for the view of the night sky. With the lack of light pollution and ambient light cast by the cities in which we live, you can see literally millions of stars  it truely is amazing and beautiful. DAY 4 Golf, More Alpine Desert, Then sleep. I was awakend by Issur with his "Washy Washy Mr James" call, he asked how I was and it made me feel good. Rose felt dizzy and fell over, Mike attended her and she was Ok, just a bit shaken, after a minute or two Rose was back on her feet. It was touching to see how much Rose and Mike love each other, (I like that).  Mike then found a large stick shaped like a golf club and he and Al took turns hitting rocks into the clouds and down the mountain. (Ok Al could do that, Mike's effort were a little short, Ok very short, Sorry Mike Ha Ha). I had a go, but as those of you out there who know me will understand, I HATE GOLF, so I slogged one rock about 20 feet then sat back down. Job done. We set off on a short trek to our next camp, horrible rocky alpine desert. we made good time and it was not too bad a walk, but the boot didn't last too well. HANG ON A MINUTE, here's me bitching about my boot and some of our barers were wearing flip flops, these guys really were Supermen. I got quite emotional upon seeing Kibo Peak. It's hard to explain, it was really emotional, almost spiritual and I had to walk away alone. I fell to my knees and offered up a prayer to whoever was listening. What I said is private to me, but I wept openly and freely and I honestly believe I was not alone on that mountain side. (In truth I was homesick and seriously focused on thoughts that I couldn't make it). Seeing Kibo made me realise why I was there, I had to beat my own inner demons and beat the mountain. I couldn't return to Liverpool and face my friends, my family and the kids in school having failed. Failure was not an option. God would have to help me as my faith in myself had faultered, but the faith my friends, family and the kids in school had in me was unwavering. I picked myself up, Raymond and John looked at each other mystified, I tried to explain but got upset and just said, "I needed to pray", Raymond understood as he is a very committed christian and gave me the space I needed. I got into camp about 30 minutes behind the others, but they were already heading out for the afternoon walk, (The Climb high, Sleep low priciple. This is supposed to help acclimatisation). So I went to bed. I was awakened for Lunch, it was some sort of fried pasty, cold chips dodgy chicken and even dodgier salad. Everything was swimming in grease. If I was served this anywhere else I would have walked away, but carbs and fat are needed on the mountain. By now it was raining, thunder and lightning almost non stop and my friends were out in it. Not Good ! Then they arrived back in camp, I really liked these guys. They were funny and supportive of me in my condition. Mike was always chatty, Rose was very concerned and always had good advice, Debbie was supportive and had some great stories about their travels and Al has to be the coolest guy I've ever met, with the dryest sense of humour. All in all 4 of the nicest people I've ever met. We spoke about jobs and families, travels and adventures, pretty much anything and everything. I told them about why I was there, and they really really helped me get through. In Case I Forget Guys, Thank You For all of your Help, Support and Friendship. DAY 5 Domo Arrigato Mr Roboto and Kibo. "Washy Washy Mr James" I was already up and ready to go, Andreya took my boot and gave it the Silver tape Treatment. Gone was the Blue Footed Booby and Mr Roboto boots was on show. We were off to cross the Saddle, but looking up, there was something seriously different about Kibo......SNOW !!!! Shed loads of snow had fallen in the night Nooooooo !!!!!!! We marched "Pole Pole" (slowly slowly), across the Saddle, ( a desert in every sense of the word). It was a strange and alien landscape, almost like the picture sent back of the moons surface during the apollo landings. Nothing to look at, hot sun, but a short walk of some 4 hours to Kibo. We trudged on, and as ever I was about an hour behind the others into camp. We were not far from the 'Long Drop' toilets. They were Rank. I swear the stench would make a skunk move house. Try as I might, I could not use those hideous contraptions. There is something just disgusting about them as anyone who has ever been near a long drop will testfy. I ate lunch and went straight to bed. Thuder roared overhead and rain poured down. I nestled down in my sleeping bag, earplugs in and my coat over my head. I really hate Thunder. Remember when you were a kid and you'd count from the lightning flash to the Thunder clap to see how far away the storm was, I tried that, but it was no good. These were simultanious and almost constant. I was terrified. I am brontophobic at the best of times,(scared of Thunder). I awoke to snow (8 maybe 9 inches), I went fo Dinner and was told that I would be first out of Camp at 11pm to attempt the summit, everyone else would follow at 12pm. Andreya would lead me up the mountain, (poor bloke must've drawn the short straw). We chatted at dinner and then wished each other well and retired to bed. I thought about what I had achieved so far and in truth, I thought I had done well, but it would all be for nothing if I failed in the morning. My demons were tearing at my very soul. Sleep was broken and fretful, I awoke several times in almost blind panic over the next few hours. I dreaded the wake up call, would I be strong enough to make it ? I just didn't know, I hoped, but didn't know. DAY 6 Hell, Snow, Pain, Exhaution, Victory, Then.......... For a laugh Andreya and Raymond taped both my boots in Silver. I was up at 10pm and trudging through the snow at 11pm. Within a mile I'd lost the taped cap off my right boot. It wasn;t needed so we trudged on regardlessly.Within an hour and a half we were being passed by mega fit Canadians with a mega fast style. Here's me climbing this bloody mountain "Pole Pole" 6 inches at a time and these guys flew past me. Then so did everyone else even my 4 Canadian Buddies. I wanted to quit, I lay down in the snow exhausted, Andreya made me stand up and pushed me on. My legs didn't want to know, then people started down the mountain. People who were faster, stronger fitter than me were giving up. One guy told me that he had quit at 17,000 feet but it didn't matter as he had climbed Mt Blanc !!! (Yeah right !!). Then Rose and Debbie came down. Debbie was having chest pain and John (the assistant Guide) and Rose had brought her down. I felt bad for them, but Debbie had said all along Kibo camp was her goal. Rose was lovely and looked out for her sister. How's this for class ??? they stopped to wish me well. I Wasn't Giving Up Now !!! I limped, slipped and yes even crawled up that mountain. 11hrs and 45 minutes it took me. I lay in the snow and prayed for death. Then it happend...... Believe What You Like But ........ I would Swear on a stack of Bibles, On My Kids, On my Life even on my beloved Football Team Liverpool. 300 Metres from the top, I was done in, Knackered, Shattered, Exhausted, I wanted out. I just wanted to go home. I lay down in the snow and closed my eyes, I swear I heard a voice nagging me. "Get up, come on get yourself up, I'm not letting you quit, You're not getting off that easy, get your lazy a*se up that bloody hill". I swear I even felt a finger in the back pushing me up that last stretch. ( I'll go to my grave believing i heard Linda on that Mountain side). Andreya said I could quit if I wanted, I just pressed on, 15 minutes later I was at Gillman's Point. I HAD DONE IT .... I JIMMY COUZENS HAD REACHED THE TOP OF KILIMANJARO !!!!!!!! All my life people had said, you can't, you won't, you'll never,guess what ? I can,I will and guess what I HAVE !!!! I took the photo's and we met a friend of Andreya's up their, another guide. We looked along to Uhuru point another 90 minutes away. I wanted to try, but the weather front was closing in fast and we had to get down from the top of the mountain. We started down what is almost a sheer drop, the Ice field I'd just climbed was about a 1 in 2 climb. We started down and then after some 2 miles or so..... Without warning my legs just gave way, I collapsed in a heap and was seeing Zebras on the mountain, I kept asking why the bus didn't come up the mountain.(There are no vehicles anywhere near this high). Andreya linked my arm and dragged me to a central point in the Ice Field and proceeded to slide with me down the mountain. We slid for about 4 miles and help was there. Andreya called this Busing, the Canadian lads called this 'Boot Ski-ing'. Whatever it was it got me down. The lads checked my eyes and said it might be altitude sickeness and I might be bleeding into my brain. I was feeling like I was drunk, (Strange for a Guy who doesn't drink). I was literally dragged back to camp, all the time lapsing in and out of coherant thoughts. I was told later that I was singing Reggae songs and talking to animals that weren't there..... (Hmmmm no change there then Jim ??). Jimmy Dolittle, (Jimmy couldn't do any less Ha Ha). I got back to Kibo camp and was strapped to a stretcher, (Rather like Hannibal Lecter). At the point of seeming slightly ,err macho, I refused to get on the stretcher in camp as some squared headed, bad perm, German Studenty type was making fun of the stretcher. I'd be damned if I was going to let this Tax dodging Student take the you know what, after all, it's just not British to make fun of a chap when he's ill.( Oh my God I've turned into Lord Kitchener !!!!!!!! YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU). I crept out of camp some 200 metres and the lads helped me onto the stretcher then, (just to save face and British pride). The Stretcher had 1 wheel and about 6 guys ran, (yes I kid you not), ran with me down the mountain to about halfway to Horombo camp, (about 5 miles). They stood me up at about the halfway point and asked how I felt, I was a bit woozy, but said I wanted to walk. I felt better with every step. I reached camp about 2 hours later. I met up with Al, Mike, Rose and Debbie, got some ribbing over the stretcher ride and had some food. It was funny as we'd joked about faking illness to get a helicopter ride down the mountain, no helicopter rides here sunny Jim, this is Gap Travel, excusions on the cheap. Sort of a no frills effort. The stretcher was my helicopter. (Yeah I know I'm not Roman Abram o Bitch). I gave most of my gear to Andreya, (Mountain Sticks, Gaiters, etc),he really is a nice kid, and then I retired to bed exhausted. Day 7 Singing, Alpine Deserts,Rain Forests, Monkeys and Rain. I woke up with a headache and peeling skin, crispy scabs and crispy ears, in short, major sunburn, minor sunstroke. We met at Breakfast, the gruel seemed edible especially with Rose's raisins, (Yum Yum very tasty). I still avoided the greasy eggs and greasier pancakes. After Breakfast, Raymond gathered our 19 Staff together to pose for Photographs and to sing to us. They had been brilliant throughout our Trek and we would not have done it without them. After Photo's they guys sang "Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro" and "Jambo Jambo", it was brilliant. We struck out for the Mandara camp and lunch, then on to the Marangu gate and our ultimate goal. We set a good pace, but not so quick that we'd miss the breath taking scenery. All along the trail were greetings of "Jambo Jambo" and all along Porters and Trekkers tried to avoid getting in each others way, I was feeling good and struck out for home, snapping photo's as I went. The Alpine Desert on this side was less rocky and had more plants and bushes. Then came a pine forest and then, the Rain Forest. This was was how as I had seen Africa as child through Johnny Weismuller's and Ron Ely's portrayal of Tarzan.   We reached Mandara Camp and had spaghetti for lunch, then....The Rains Came Down. Well what else in a Rainforest, the rain just poured and poured, but you know what, it was a warm rain, really really refreshing and the Forest came to life, it was soooo cool. Africa as it was meant to be. Steam rose steadily throughout the whole Rainforest Eco system and I sweated like a pig, but I was only an hour from the bottom, then an hour from our hotel and a shower........ Civilisation, hot water SOAP...... Oh ecstacy, could paradise ever seem so close. I trekked on laughing at the Monkeys and slapping hands with the local school kids on a day out on the Rainforest nature trail.(How cool is that ? A day out to a rainforest with real animals ?).(No jokes about days out to Goodison or Manchester to see the animals you will note , Tee hee). (Oh come on it was a joke). Then.....The Marangu gate and the finish. I went mad phoning everyone, (just wait for the bill), then climbed aboard our Minivan with 4 extra passengers and headed out to our hotel..... The van smelt very very ripe, so we drove most of the way with our windows open, I wonder how often certain people on that bus actually washed at all on the mountain. However many, deoderant was in short supply, anyway, then we reached our hotel. I went into my shower and ...... Yes it didn't bloody work !!!!   Nooooo!!!!!!!!    WHERE WAS MY SOAP, MY WATER, MY ECSTACY ?????? I went to reception and a little old Lady came over to fix my shower, I gave her a $3 dollar tip and she was so pleased she made my bed, folded my clothes I swear I thought she was my Mum. I finally got her out of the room and collapsed into a shower, then afterwards I went to meet my Canadian Buddies for Dinner, the 5 Musketeers together again. I KNEW THEN THIS WOULD BE MY LAST MOUNTAIN, BUT WHAT A WAY TO FINISH............ THE END OF MY MOUNTAINEERING DAYS. SERIOUS ADVICE FOR THOSE GOING UP THE MOUNTAIN.  Do the bloody training... Don't skimp on it, do your full 4 to 6 months. Do the proper going up hills training, not walking round Newsham Park. I did about 2 weeks and I knew about it. Even now a week or so later, I am still suffering pain and not shaking the Jet Lag like I normally do. I put my porky body through hell and I am paying for it. So if you are walking down the road and a rather stupid, slightly less porky guy falls asleep in front of you, it's probably me. (No I'm not homeless, I'm just a bit scruffy Ha Ha). MY CONCLUSION ? The time I spent on the mountain was special. Not just special because this was my dream, or because this was my Africa. No it was special, because for the first time in my life I actually started to think about, my life, my friends, my family. A lot of the time I was lost in solitary thoughts. I have come to this conclusion after much contemplation and reflection. I feel that I have now 'Got my ducks in a row' so to speak. I feel that I am confident enough to tell my friends that I love them. Plain and simple. I believe that we don't tell those around us who matter so much to us, that we do actually love them. I am lucky, I have some very, very special friends who allow me to be me. They complete me in a way that is indescribable, the way a true friend should. They may not always be at my side, but they are a constant in my heart. I would like to take this opportunity to say to my friends and my family, that I do love them. Climbing Kilimanjaro has changed my life forever. And I hope that I will never again take those I love and who love me for granted. I believe that I am truly blessed, not with stunning looks or worldly wealth, but with the love and support of good friends and a good family. If you do nothing else today, tell someone you love them, it might be a friend, a partner,your Mother or Father, your children even your dog, they won't always be there to hear it and then it's too late. I know I'm going to..... Thank You for reading my story, Jimmy.                                                             The End of My Mountaineering Days.                                                (OK I'm Just sticking to the big hills that we have in the UK).     Jimmy's Mountain IPOD Playlist. I had my IPOD with me and I kept playing certain songs, why ?  Some for inspiration, some for comfort, some to carry me home. Music has always inspired me. 1) Thomas Joseph and Murphy - Free Man Walking. (Like a leaf on an Autumn breeze people say that's me). 2) Kate Rusby - Underneath the stars. (Deeply moving and perfect for gazing a the night time African sky). 3) Johnny Clegg and Savuka - A Great Heart. (I'm searching for the spirit of the Great Heart under African Skies). 4) Steve Earle - Fearless Heart. (I know I've got one now). 5) Paul Simon - Homeless. (Brilliant harmonies). 6) Bob Marley - One Love. (Kept me moving). 7) The Beatles - In My Life. (Enough Said) 8) Melissa Etheridge - I Run for Life. (Melissa is 2 years clear of Breast Cancer and I love her music, she rocks).  9) Mary Chapin Carpenter - Almost Home. (I love this woman, this song always gets me home). 10) Pete Wylie - Heart as big as my Hometown. (Part time Rockstar Full time Legend, Sheer Brilliance). 11) John Mellencamp - Longest Days (Awesome Track, Life is short even in it's longest days). 12) Amsterdam - Taking on the world (I felt that I could after that climb). 13) Alun Parry - You are my addiction (Love this track always gives me a lift). 14) Boston - More than a feeling (just Because). Check out the websites of the artists you don't know, you may be suprised.   Together we can find a cure so that our children and grandchildren will not have to deal with this horrible disease. BY THE WAY If you like the photo's which I'll be changing each week , and you would like any copies, contact me direct on <a href="mailto:one977@hotmail.co.uk">one977@hotmail.co.uk</a>. These are my own photo's that I have taken personally and there are many many more. 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. A really big thank you to Karen, Kerry, Tash and Shanny (my family), Staff,Governors, Pupils and Parents at Whitefield Primary School, Paul and Lucy at Static, Billy, TJ and Dave, Alun Parry, Jeff Jepson, Liverpool FC Stewards, Phil at the Picket, STA TRAVEL Bold Street for organising the Trek,Becky Duncan, Old Swan Cancer Reasearch Shop , to Norma at Co op Travel Old Swan, Peter and the Staff at Vinci Allerton Rd ,to Dave,Jeanette and the 80's Casuals , to Diane, to Rea , to Stewy at EDL and anyone else who has publicised my efforts. BIG HUGS to Beryl and Marie, you girls are my inspiration. To Julie I know you can beat it, to Melissa Etheridge, for the music and for kicking Breast Cancer in the butt.(Check out her Music online, she's class). Extra Special Hug for my friend Karen Hoare, get well soon mate, I miss you at work. For Linda who promised to be with me every step of the way up the mountain, and I know she will .... She said so....(and I believe she was). A REALLY BIG THANK YOU TO Mike, Rose, Debbie and AL, my cimbing buddies. (hope the rest of your trip went well). To Raymond, John, Andreya and all of the guides, barers, cooks who were our support on the mountain. (I know it's their job, but they did it so well). ONE FINAL THOUGHT. Most of the people that this money will help, I'll never meet. It might be a neighbour, a friend, your mother, your father, your child.Rich or poor, young or old ......Cancer does not discriminate, it can hurt anyone of us at any time, let's dig deep and do what we can to erradicate this horrible disease from the face of the Earth for all time so that our children never have to look over their shoulders like we and our parents have had to. Like the lottery advert says, IT COULD BE YOU.(Sadly, you've probably got more chance of getting cancer than winning the Lottery, sad but true). I want to make sure that it's not you, or me or anyone else for that matter. (Sorry didn't mean to get all preachy). Have just one less pint this week, one less chocolate bar and donate the money to beating this disease. There are new treatments being discovered and researched all the time, but in order to find a cure we need your money. I know I'm shamlessly begging here, but I really do want to help find a cure for this disease and I believe that working together we can find it. Keep watching this space, more to follow....

I ACTUALLY DID IT !!!!!!

I ACTUALLY DID IT !!!!!!

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