In September 2011, Rachel and Francesca are attempting the most physical challenge of their lives! Over the course of 8 days, we will be attempting to climb and reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa at 5895 metres. This challenge does not just require fitness (which Francesca and Rachel are working on!) but also the ability to cope with the effects of mountain sickness (which it is unfortunately not possible to train for) and not showering for a week. Many people fail each year in this challenge. Those whom have succeeded often complain of heart palpitations as they sleep in their tents at night, severe migraines, nausea and physical exhaustion. As part of their training, Francesca and Rachel have climbed Mount Snowdon together, Rachel has climbed Mount Kinabalu in Borneo and Francesca plans to climb as many Munros as possible.
As many of you may know, Rachel’s brother David (the most selfless, funny and loving person you could ever meet) was sadly diagnosed with MERRF in 2009. This is a rare and often debilitating form of mitochondrial disease which can cause blindness, deafness, ataxia and dementia (amongst other symptoms). Professor Chinnery’s team at Newcastle University are pioneering research into this devastating disease, including stem cell and inheritance research and research into the benefits of exercise on MERRF patients. Rachel and Francesca are financing the cost of their trip themselves and so any donations you make will go direct to Professor Chinnery’s team at Newcastle University.
Please make a donation of any size now (before you forget). Any donation you make could potentially change the lives of people like David.
Finally, please wish us luck as we are both terrified (albeit excited) of what lies ahead.
Rachel and Francesca
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