I MADE IT!  Apologies for the lateness of this update,  but it is the last and happiest chapter of this adventure.  I made it all the way to the top.  It really felt like being on top of the world!  What an awesome experience and a really incredible feeling to actually look down on the world from up there.  We were all elated and so grateful to all those who had supported us all to get there.  That's you all - Thank you all so much for helping me to achieve this.  It was only because of your generosity that I was able to do this, and I am really grateful. 

One2One also have a lot to thank you for.  On the way home, we visited a local hospital where we met some people directly benefiting from the work One2One are doing in Tanzania.  The Expert Patients group at this hospital came to meet us to tell us about their work, and the challenges they face.  It was inspiring meeting these brave people, and listening to them as they explained their roles in educating people in their communities about HIV / Aids, and TB.  They would like to thank you too.

This has been a wonderful adventure and a tough but throughly enjoyable journey.  Thank you all once again for making it possible.

With love and best wishes for all your adventures and dreams.  Make them happen - like I did!

H xxx

 

 

 

FINAL UPDATE - 10TH JUNE 2010

Wow. Only a week now.  I've been through a strange and difficult few days recently having had some really sad news, which has taken the shine off this a bit.  But I am back on track now and really looking forward to Thursday. 

Getting all the kit ready and preparing mentally for what is going to be a life changing experience has really focussed me over the past couple of days.  I am stupidly excited, but also quite anxious about the 'extreme' nature of what we're doing.  My hamstring hasn't fully healed yet, but is better, although falling down the stairs yesterday morning didn't help... Don't.  I know!!  Anyway, I'm hoping that a healing session I've planned for Tuesday will sort that out... 

I am also a bit worried about the very cold temperatures, (sub-zero at night time), and the effect this may have on my hands and general functionality, and then there is the inevitable concern about altitude sickness.  I have had lots of differing advice about that - some say take all the medication you can, including packs of steroid injections (!), and others say just go with it, drink lots of water, and see what happens.  I have a prescription from my GP for Diamox which is generally acknowledged to help alleviate some of the symptons, and I've decided to go ahead and take this, because if it is going to enhance my chances of making it to the top, then I say 'Bring it On!'.  I don't know if I'm mentally equipped for failiure at this stage, and I would be gutted if I hadn't covered all the possibilities...

We've arranged to visit a clinic on the way back to learn about the work that One2One Children's Fund are doing, and I'm so looking forward to meeting some of the people involved.  They are doing such great work, and some highly innovative projects are being set up to enable people to overcome serious life threatening issues and empower them to play an active and vital part in their local communities again.  I'm really looking forward to meeting them all, and whilst I know it won't be an easy experience - none of this is meant to be cosy, and I'm so inspired by these people already, I just can't wait to see it all for myself.  Inspiration is what we all need - especially in these difficult times.

Right, enough of my self righteous rambling. I'd best get off now, and organise my packing.  So much stuff, and so little space.  Always, but even more so in this case!

A big thank you to all, and hoping that your thoughts will be with me next week.  I'll report back when I come home - after my feet have been given a chance to recover!

Many many thanks to all of you for your support, with my very best wishes,

 

H xxx

UPDATE 6 14th May 2010

OK.  So I'm trying to keep calm.  I only have 4 weekends until we go.  It's been such a busy time!  I've got engaged to Moh, my partner.  Then, my youngest son turned 18 last month, and it's my eldest son's 21st next week!  What with all that, it feels like all of a sudden, the departure date is imminent!  I feel very excited as it's becoming very real very quickly.  But I'm also extremely anxious about what I need to do before the 17th June.  

The training is ok, although I still feel I'm not doing enough, and I'm nursing a pulled hamstring injury that has put paid to any running as part of my training programme.  I am walking and cycling everywhere, and I've discovered some mighty challenging hills locally when on my bike desperately trying to get wherever I'm going, on time, instead of taking the bus!  Still, good practice though - it means I have to focus on keeping going, whatever, as long as it takes.  And that is what it's going to be like on Kilimanjaro, especially when we climb the summit.  That's assuming I get there...  NO!  I will. I will!

Fundraising is tough.  The events I've organised and the very generous donations from friends and family took me to just over 50% of the target,  I've had to supplement the total as I hadn't raised enough by the time I was invoiced earlier this month.  This has been a challenge on many levels, and this aspect of it was not as easy as I initially thought it would be.  Still, I'm now trying to think of ideas to raise money that don't involve tapping the same crew and bombarding my contacts list with yet more pleading emails...

On that note, I am organising a Casino Night on June 4th at the appropriately named Safari Bar - a local Kenyan Asian restaurant.  It will be a James Bond type themed night with poker tables, Black Jack and roulette.  Fabulous cocktails, music and food will be on offer, and the winners will be honoured with high quality prizes.  An evening not to be missed, and I will publish details when all is finalised.  Note the date, and keep it free

Then, there is the kit list.  A hugely daunting prospect, and one that offers a challenge in its own right!  I can't comprehend not having a shower or a bath for 10 days, and whilst I don't mind getting a bit grungy and resorting to using baby wipes at festivals for a couple of days, this is something else...  Still, it will be worth it.  I just have to keep thinking how spectacular that first bath will be when we reach the hotel on our last night.  Sod the celebratory drinks and party - bring on the bath!

That's almost it for now, but I'd just like to say a huge thank you to all those who have sponsored me so far.  I'm so grateful, and will keep you all posted with developments up to and including the trek that you have helped me work towards. One2One Children's fund is a very hardworking and inspiring charity, and I look forward to visiting one of their clinics to see for myself the fantastic work they do.  

Thank you all so much for giving me this opportunity, and for raising much needed funds to help them continue and progress in what they do so well.

Bye for now.

Best wishes,

H x

UPDATE 5 25TH March 2010

Just a quick update to tell you about my training weekend in Snowdonia.  I enrolled on this with some trepidation, but was advised that it was necessary to go by several people from various experience levels who loved trekking.  

I was anxious because I really didn't think that I was fit enough, and that I would struggle with the cold. I spent a lot of money kitting myself out with various layers and kit, but I wasn't confident about the gloves I had bought.  They felt warm, but I wasn't sure how much my hands would be able to do when wearing them. 

I noted that we had two days trekking, with sessions dedicated to discussing the type of kit to take, things to remember, altitude sickness etc. The weekend was based at the Pen-y-pass youth hostel, a famous respite for climbers both serious and otherwise, nestling beneath Snowdon.  Definitely worth a visit - here's the link:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pen-y-Pass .  

I didn't need to worry.  I felt physically able and more than capable of doing what was required throughout the weekend, and thoroughly enjoyed it to boot, (ahem - yes they performed magnificently btw!).  The gloves however require more thought - my hands were cold most of the time... 

We stayed with a group of people, all of whom were doing high altitude challenges over the next year, varying from walking the Great Wall of China, trekking up to Everest Base Camp, and someone doing a very high altitude climb in Peru - all different, but all exciting and hugely challenging to the likes of you and me...  

The weather was spectacular, and I learned about the various climbing and trekking techniques that will be required for Kilimanjaro whilst trudging up Mount Snowdon on Saturday.  Unfortunately we were unable to reach the summit as it was covered by 5ft of snow, and as this was unexpected, we didn't have the correct equipment to make it safely. Still, the views were stunning, and we gained valuable experience in negotiating icy conditions both uphill and downward climbing.

In the evening, we all chatted over dinner and afterwards more sessions from the expedition team leader about what to expect on our various treks.  The personal hygiene talk was alarming, but I won't bore you with the details - suffice it to say, I'll be looking forward to a nice bath when I get home!

On Sunday morning, we clambered some more after a hearty breakfast, and learned about scree and climbing down backwards!  The climb was steeper than Saturday, and completely different terrain.  The sky was clear and very blue, and the views were just as breathtaking as yesterday. We were told that Snowdownia always had cloud covering the peaks, whatever the weather elsewhere, so we all felt really lucky and blessed to have witnessed this.  It really was fantastic.

As we wandered homeward after our final debriefing when the walk was complete, we all reflected upon our weekend's training. I'm sure I wasn't alone in thinking about how I needed to get organised now, and focus on remembering how to use all this experience from the weekend on my trek which I realised then was only 12 weeks away!  I also remember thinking that the weekend had been very special, and trek or no trek, I would love to go back to Pen-y-pass, and do more of Snowdonia.  

I'm excited, and daunted, but not as worried about my ability to achieve this as I have been.  I know I need to get organised, focussed and stay strong, (thanks Ayo).  But I also know I can do it...

Onwards and upwards...

H x

UPDATE 4 19th February 2010

The latest?  Well, not much since I last touched base really.  I haven't had a great start to the New Year for various reasons, but the onset of my 48th year, and the fact that this challenge is looming ever closer, coupled with the fact that my brother is now competing for sponsorship with his epic bike ride from John O'Groats to Lands End in June, has spurred me on.  If you need details of his challenge, I suggest you ask him - she says petulantly...  :)

The quiz night at the David Lloyd was fantastic!  We raised over £200 by competing in teams varying from age and ability for the prize of a case of wine kindly donated by the Lloyd in a hugely fun and challenging quiz featuring a variety of challenges, as well as a raffle offering prizes from lots of local businesses, (restaurants and boutiques...).  It was a hoot, and much enjoyed by all.

Tomorrow, I am joining my parents walking group in Kent for a stomp across the snowy kentish fields, and will be chatting to them all about my trek.  Hopefully some kind sponsorship offers will come from that, perhaps over the much earned pub lunch at the end of it...

In the first week of March, Sarah and I will be going to Snowdoinia for the trekking training weekend.  A bit of a daunting prospect as I've fallen off the training wagon over the past few weeks, and I think it will be a bit of a 'wake up' call, in terms of what I need to think about, do and prepare for in the coming months. 

I know I can do this, but right now, it's more than a bit challening.  The cold weather doesn't do me any favours - my hands seize up, and I ache all over, and I know it's not going to be any easier up there on Kilimanjaro.  Still, I have to prepare for this, and do all I can to make it happen, because I so want to succeed, and on more than a couple of occaisions this winter I have felt far older than I really think I should. 

But, spring is just around the corner, and I know that with the onset of longer days and warmer climes, I will feel more motivated and inclined to push on with my tranining and prepare for this challenge in a far more focussed way.  Sounds like I've been a bit too self-pitying, and yes, I suppose I have recently.  It stops now though...  The next time I update you I will be far more positive.  I promise.  There's too much to lose.

Again, I thank you all for your support, and would welcome any ideas, suggestions or even just messages of support.  As I've said before, Onwards and Upwards...

H xxx

 

 

UPDATE 3 15th January 2010

Firstly - Happy New Year!  I've been in a bit of a slump since my last posting.  For a number of reasons I lost focus and interest in this challenge to the point that I almost gave up.  However, the dawning of this new year has given me a much needed boost, and I'm back on track and full of intent.  Shame about the snow though - it made it very difficult for me to get to the gym, or go running.  Still, it did afford me the opportunity to wear in my fab new trekking boots, and walk lots.  They've been given a true testing, and have become my new friends!  :)

So, fundraising...  I have a few thoughts, and have had offers of help from people, so plan to organise a few events locally, and might even team up with my walking chum Sarah, and jointly make stuff happen in Brighton too.  I'll keep you posted...

I have a fund raising quiz night next Sunday 24th at the David Lloyd Club in North Finchley to which you're all invited.  It starts at 7.30, and only costs £1 to enter.  You also have the option to eat a delicious curry supper, freshly prepared, which will cost an additional £4.50 per head.  The quiz will be interesting, relevant and challenging, so please do come along, with chums, in teams of 6, or on your own, and help to raise more funds for One2One.  It would be great to see you there...

Onwards and upwards, with love and thanks to you all,

H x

 

 

UPDATE 2 13th September 2009

Well, thanks again to everyone who's sponsored me and donated money for this project.  Especially those who came along to the fundraisers.  We managed to raise about £728 in total - that's from the Malt & Hops, and the two events at the Griffin.  We had a really fantastic time at both the events, and even though I felt let down by the management's attitude at the Griffin, I'm just going to put that one down to experience and move on...  Shame though, it was a nice pub to go after work occaisionally.

The other news is that for a number of reasons, we are putting the trek back to June next year.  Probably a good thing really, as it means we can take our time a bit, training and raising funds.  Training is going well, although I had a session with a mate who's a professional personal trainer last week, and it nearly killed me!  I couldn't move with any elegance at all, let alone walk normally, for the next 3 days!  Thanks Neilon!

So, summer's gone now, and I'm thinking of ways to move forward on this.  I plan to spend some time learning more about One2One and what they're doing currently, and  I'll keep you all posted regarding any future events.  Once again, I would like to thank you all again for your support and interest in this.

Onwards and upwards...

H x 

 

UPDATE!  25th August 2009

Thanks so much to all of you who have sponsored me so far.  'Graham' in particular for the very generous £100 that eventually found it's way via a roundabout route offline that was added today - finally! 

We held a hugely succesful fundraising party last Saturday at the Malt & Hops that raised just over £400, and fun was had by all who were there.  Shame on those who weren't!  Particular thanks have to go to Ata and his ingenious version of JENGA which was not only responsible for raising over £50, but also for a lot of hangovers the next morning I suspect!  Thanks mate  :)

The Griffin pub in Whetstone, (http://www.pub-explorer.com/gtlondon/pub/griffinwhetstone.htm), is holding a quiz night tomorrow night, Thursday 27th August, and are very kindly donating all proceeds of the quiz towards One2One.  It should be fun, and it would be great to see as many of you there as can make it.  The fun starts at 9pm.

Also, on Saturday 29th August, the same Griffin pub is hosting a talent contest boasting local bands, comedians, singers and dancers.  We have great prizes for the winners including a Eurostar trip for 2 to Paris!  The party starts at 6.45pm and will be held in the garden with a barbecue.  Families and funsters welcome.  Come and play, be wowed and share in the fun, in the sun, and help me raise much needed funds for One2One Children's Fund.

Thanks again for taking the time to read this, and do come along if you can.

H x

 

I'd like you to pay me to go for a walk.  But not just any old walk.  I plan to walk up Kilmanjaro - all 5,895 metres of it.  Uphill, all the way to the top.

I have two reasons for doing this.  The first is to raise money, lots of money, for the charity shown below - One to One children's fund who help children around the world rebuild their lives after war, and work to promote peace and tolerance in places devasted by conflict and disease.  You can find full details of the work they do by going to www.one2onekids.org.

I am raising funds for One to One's projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, where they work with 85 paediatric AIDS clinics, helping children who are affected by HIV/AIDS.  I will be visiting one of these clinics in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to see for myself the work they do and how the money we raise will be used.

One to One Children's Fund run many programmes such as the Expert Patients Programme.  Expert patients are adult patients who are trained up, using their own experience with HIV/AIDS, to assist the doctors and nurses in these under-resourced clinics.  They carry out basic duties to free up the professionals to focus on more complex tasks, which in turn builds the confidence of the local communities affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as increasing the household incomes of those families directly affected.  Go to the following link to learn more about this fantastic empowering programme  www.one2onekids.org/projects.cfm?Item_Id=414

The other reason I'm embarking on this trek is personal.  Some of you may know that nearly 2 years ago I experienced something that changed my life completely.  Call it a 'wake up call', 'the accident', whatever you will... Falling down the stairs and fracturing my neck was a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and just how lucky I am to be here.

Achieving this challenge means so much to me because of that.  It's a way of saying thank you for my good fortune I guess, and giving something on to those who haven't been so lucky thus far in their short lives. 

It's for you to decide whether you want to support me for either or both of these reasons, but either way, please do sonsor me.  I'd love to know you're with me as i walk up towards Kilimanjaro's summit - onwards and upwards....

Thank you for reading this.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: One To One Children's Fund gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!