Thanks for visiting my Kilimanjaro Challenge page.

 

I DID IT!!!

 

On 2nd July 2009 I reached the summit of the highest mountain in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro - 5,895m

 

I am just about returning to normal now after the whirlwind of the last few days! I had a fabulous time, it was very hard at times, particularly due to the altitude and lack of oxygen. But the feeling of pride and achievement I got when I finally reached the summit far outweighed all the effort of getting there!!

On the day of our attempt on the summit we started walking at 11pm in the pitch darkness with just head torches to find our way. The temperatures were down to minus 15 degrees and we were trying to climb a gradient of over 45 degrees with only 50% oxygen. After 7 hours of relentless plodding we finally reached the lip of the crater. I must admit that during this time I did consider giving up, it was that tough, but when I thought about all the people who have supported me and all the effort they have put in and all that Andrew has been through,it spurred me on!

The support team were amazing! The porters carried nearly everything up for us. They carried tables, chairs, tents, gas bottles,food, our main luggage packs etc etc so that all we had to cope with were our day packs and water.They broke the camp as soon as we had cleared our tents and by the time we reached our next camp they had managed to transport everything, re-erect the tents and be waiting with a cup of tea to welcome us.

It was a fantastic experience and one that I will always look back on with pride and fond memories.  By the time all the monies are collected in I hope to have raised  over £3,500.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have donated so generously,  and supported me in this endeavour. It has been wonderful to have this oppoortunity to give something back to 'Headway' who helped my brother and our family through such a difficult time. I hope that by raising this money I can contribute in some small way to help them to continue in this vital work.

If you have not yet done so and wish to make a donation it is still not too late. Any donations will be gratefully received. Once again many thanks to all those who have taken an interest in this challenge.

 

Mark