This summer, Debbie Gratton and Jon Collier will attempt to climb the world's highest lone standing mountain. Kilimanjaro, at a height of over 19,000ft, is Africa's highest point. We will attempt to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route in July of this year.
Why are we doing this? Well this had initially begun as a joke between Jon and Debbie as Jon struggled to find willing participants to attempt the climb with him. Several passing comments were made jokingly suggesting Debbie should go. However, this soon became more serious and now we find ourselves signed up to a trek commecing on July the 1st of this year. The challenge alone tempted us, but its the prospect of helping others less fortunate which drives us. As a result we set our target of raising £3,800 by January 2012 for the extremely worthwhile cause Jeremiah's Journey.
Jeremiah's Journey is made up of a team of individuals experienced in working with bereaved children and their parents or carers. They are able to provide information and support to children who have experienced or are anticipating the death of someone special to them. The main part of what they provide is a group programme for bereaved children and their families.
As this effects countless numbers of individuals every year globally we feel it is very worthwhile charity. Though it is only a British based charity, its development may encourage others to offer similar support.
To raise money for our chosen charity, we are both climbing the Mechame route on Kilimanjaro in July 2011, and in addition, Debbie is doing a sponsored day sky diving with the Red Devils in the Spring of 2011.
Please follow us on: www.kilimanjaro2011.net
Thank you for your support!
UPDATE:
On Friday 11th of July 2011, at 7am Jon reached the summit of Kilimanjaro after 7hours of climbing in temperatures as low as -18 degrees. Sadly, Debbie was unable to continue beyond 5000m due to severe exhaustion making further progress impossible. Nevertheless, her determination meant she was reluctant to give up even when walking a straight line became almost impossible.
