Friends - We did it!

They say a picture tells the story and we are both deeply proud to tell you that we made it to the highest point in Africa, almost 4 miles above sea level. It doesn't however tell of the anguish, pain, exhaustion and ultimately the sheer joy, personal pride and exhilaration at reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain in the world and the roof of Africa

When we were searching for reasons to continue on the last morning, to keep placing one foot in front of the other (we had been climbing since 11.00 p.m. that night and would take us until 6.15 a.m. to summit), the money we were raising and the faith that people had placed in us drove us on through what we have both agreed was a personal hell.

Jane and i won't look back with any fondness at the lack of sleep, yomping from A to B for a minimum 7 hours a day, forcing down food when you don't feel hungry, the dust, the effect of altitude and the freezing temperatures at night. However, the cameraderie (amongst the whole group) and the personal pride at succeeding we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. It's simply one of the hardest things we have ever done or hope to do!

Many words have been written and spoken about the effects of altitude on the body but i truly didn't understand until what it meant until feeling the effects. You might think you do but you don't!

What can we say to the generosity of the contributions you have made. With gift aid it look as if we will get close to £8,300 - thank you all. Jane and i chose to pay for the cost of the walk ourselves (self funding) so every penny raised goes straight to the hospice.

St Eliabeth Hospice is funded by donation. They provide huge value to the community. In some senses we hope that we never visit places like this but they are invaluable to those who come into contact with them

Thanks again for everyone's generosity

Jane + Paul

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