Story
Dear Friends,
Hello to all of you and a big thank you from us both for all your support and encouragement in this endeavour - we couldn't have done it without you.
Well we arrived home last Thursday 19 August, and we have to let you know that we didn't get to the very top of Kilimanjaro unfortunately as we both had altitude sickness and our guide said we must go down - and we didn't feel like arguing with him! Altitude sickness is very unpleasant. However, we did get to 4700 metres which is approximately 4 Snowdons ! Can't be bad for two old girls. The last 'Snowdon' as it were, would have taken us up to 5895 metres but we had to go down on our guide's advice.
The whole experience, right from our first thoughts about doing this challenge, has been very special. We have met and spoken to so many people and have been touched by the stories of their own personal loss that they have chosen to share with us. Our time in Tanzania was particularly wonderful because of the kindness, politeness and gentleness of all the people we met there. Neither of us had been to Africa before and I am not sure what we expected but we both said we were pleased our first time in Africa had been in Tanzania - a peaceful country - with such warm spirited people. They love to share a joke with you and there was a lot of laughter while we were there.
It is good to be back home and we will never forget this amazing experience. We are so grateful to you all for thinking of us and sending us your good wishes.
As you can see we have raised a tremendous amount for Greenwich Cruse, for which we are very grateful. If anyone out there would still like to make a donation then please do - it is for a great cause that does wonderful work for those who need our support during bereavement.
This would not happen without all of you and we know that and thank you all sincerely.
Love Barbara and Doreen
KILIMANJARO POEM by Lesley Cody:
Have you heard the latest news?
They're raising funds for Greenwich Cruse
Two members of our poetry set
Are off to join a climbing trek
Mount Kilimanjaro they're ascending
To me the prospect's quite mind-bending
But Babs anbd Doreen show no fear
Such bold and stalwart volunteers
The climb begins on August eighth
It's just as well they're in good health!
I hear they're both out hard core training
Every day when it's not raining
They'll have to brave the icy winds
And sleep in tents - there are no Inns
And they'll be risking hypothermia
Or even an inguinal hernia
They'll clasp the crags with iron grip
Lest from those heady heights they slip
Coralled together by a rope
As they ascend the treacherous slope
So please do make a small donation
To Cruse to show your admiration
For two intrepid mountaineers
Whose bravery knows no frontiers
Many thanks for this Lesley - Love Barbara and Doreen xx