Update and outcomes

 

Mike Snr arrived in Tanzania 4 days before Mike Jnr. To avoid boredom Mike Snr spent this time trekking to Saddle Hut in the Arusha National Park (great wildlife). From here he did a night ascent of the mount Meru Socialist peak 4566 Metres.

 

After this and great local formalties he met with Mike Jnr and the following day they along with a team of clients, guides, porters, etc totaling over 50 people started the trek up Kilimanjaro. Then disaster! Mike Snr was struck down with terrible sickness and diarrhoea. After several hundred metres of ascent the following day Mike Snr could go no further so he was effectively knocked out of the attempt and had to descend about 1200 metres of elevation to the Rongai gate. The Rongai track is, except in emergencies, one way ie up only. It was now very quiet as the animals regained their territory, particularly the Buffalo whose hoof marks were now clearly visible on the track. So Mike Snr trotted in more ways than one down that track right behind the guide, whose expression did nothing to inspire confidence.To cut a long story short the gate was reached in safety and the hotel was finally reached about 8.00 that evening.

 

After 3 days and no improvement with fear and trembling Mike Snr went to Moshi Christian Hospital with no intention of staying or having a needle inserted. Fortunately neither were needed. A further ton of immodium with antibiotics were prescribed and a stable condition resumed just in time to return home 7 kg lighter.

 

During Mike Snr's great idleness Mike Jnr was working valiantly away on Kilimanjaro, the forest giving way to moorland as the climb steepened, passing under the shadow of the towering spires of Mount Mawenzi. From there Mike Jnr crossed the eerie lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 metres). The final ascent was commenced at midnight and, after what can only be described as a brutal climb, the crater rim finally reached  at 7.30am at Gillman's Point (5,685 metres). A further three hour round trip which felt like a lifetime finally took in the peak Uhuru, meaning 'freedom' (5,896 metres). A special mention must go to the guides whose expertise, cajoling and superior fitness allowed them to monitor Mike Jnr, and some others in the team, to struggle on to the peak without apparently giving any thought as to how he would get back! Mike was one of two of the team who reached the Uhuru peak without the aid of any oxygen a magnificent achievement. Well done Mike Jnr thank God you had the stamina and saved the day.

 

 **************************************************************************************

 

 

Our Kilimanjaro Challenge - The Two Mikes'   

 

My son-in-law Mike Turner and I will attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2012 and we hope you will sponsor us to help raise much needed funds for Hospice in the Weald. This deserving charity has a special place in our hearts due to the exceptional care provided to my wife Mandy. Thank you for your support.

                                  

In July 2005 while we were on holiday in Scotland my wife Mandy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, due to its advanced stage, her chances of becoming clear of the cancer were small, short of a revolutionary new treatment becoming available. It takes a really special courage to face up to the reality of this and fight, which Mandy did for five years, receiving various types of chemotherapy, and eventually becoming highly prone to infection. Finding a vein and fitting a cannula became a challenge for the nurses at the Marsden where she was a frequent visitor, and where she received the best possible treatment available.

True to her nature Mandy would always make a special effort to dress up and be colourful when she made her visits to the Consultant. Mandy became well liked and respected by the entire team who treated her, particularly in the day unit which she preferred to call the chemo club and where she developed really good relationships with the nurses.

 

These years demonstrated Mandy’s incredible energy, courage and determination in facing and fighting this disease. It was a time in which I really discovered the inspirational and courageous Woman I had married in 1968. These feelings were shared by our family and friends. Personally it was for me a period in which we shared the best of times along with the worst of times.

 

Eventually Mandy was unable to fight the disease any longer and died on the 30 April 2010.

 

However, Mandy had the good fortune to be admitted to the Hospice in the Weald in her final few days.

 

I am unable to find the words to describe adequately the amazing way in which the skills and resources of the Hospice team facilitated such a peaceful and dignified departure. I was just so grateful! and resolved immediately to try to give something back. Hence Mike (my son in law) and I are hoping to raise a significant sum by way of sponsorship in an attempt to climb Kilimanjaro.

I appeal to anyone willing and able to sponsor us in this attempt to please do so. Kilimanjaro at 5895 Metres is the highest Mountain on the African Continent. It hence qualifies as one of the seven summits and is the highest free standing Mountain in the World.

 

All donations and sponsorship are passed directly to Hospice in the Weald.

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Hospice in the Weald and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

So please dig deep and donate now.