Laura Neibaurer
Laura's page
Fundraising for Help for Heroes
Story
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On the 23rd September I watched the BBC documentary 'Wounded', the programme followed two young soldiers from when they were injured in Afghanistan, to their journey home, their treatment in Selly Oak hospital and their rehabilitation at Headly Hall. One solidier had lost both of his legs from the knee down and his left arm from the elbow down, the second had also lost both of his legs from the knee down and also suffered severe damage to his eyesight. The programme not only showed the pain and discomfort and them coming to terms with their disability, but also highlighted their determination, bravery and attitude. During the programme I realised that neither of them asked the question 'why me' and they seemed to have no regrets about going to Afghanistan, in fact one of them said "I'm just glad it wasn't any of my friends". All who join the armed forces realise that there may be a time when they are required to fight for and defend their country, however it should not be viewed as "well they knew what they were signing up for". The programme had a profound affect on me, and on more than one occasion I felt tears prickle in my eyes, these were mainly of pride, and it made me think about how I would cope if I were in that situation. If you would like to watch 'Wounded' and I can truly recommend it please visit http://bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00n0pf7/Wounded_Parts_1_and_2/
I have decided that I would like to raise money for the charity Help for Heroes by following the example that Mr. Moyles and co set, and trek up Kilimanjaro in March 2010 (yes you read that right, if Cheryl Cole can go without make up for 9 days then so can I!). Help for Heroes is a charity that was set up in 2007 by Bryn and Emma Parry after a moving visit to Selly Oak hospital, it raises money in order to make grants that provide practical and direct support to injured serviceman and women returning back from Afghanistan and Iraq. For more information on Help for Heroes please visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk To qualify for the trek I have to raise a minimum of £3400, I realise that this is an awful lot of money and that now might not be a good time to be giving away money what with Christmas just around the corner (only two more pay days) and the current economic climate. The money raised does pay for the trip which includes; flights, guide, accomodation (a two man tent), medical assistance and should they be required (hopefully not) rescue fees (I have been reliably informed that rescue may be by wheelbarrow rather than by helicopter!) however I have decided that I will pay the cost of the trip myself in order to ensure that all of the money raised goes to the charity. But if you do have a spare couple of pennies or pounds, I can assure you that they will be put to good use. We should be very proud of our troops, thankyou for reading my Just Giving page. You can now follow my training on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=176012441415 Below is my itinerary for you all to have a peruse at, this is the exact walk that Chris Moyles and co took in March earlier this year!Day 1 5th March 2010 Leave London Heathrow for Kilimanjaro International Airport Day 2 6th March 2010 Arrive at Kilimanjaro and transfer to Moshi Town, one night in a hotel Day 3 7th March 2010 One hour drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, a steady climb through jungle for 18km taking 5-7 hours and then camp at 3100m Day 4 8th March 2010 Continue climbing through the forest before attempting a steep ascent, walking 9km for 4-6 hours, camp at 3840m Day 5 9th March 2010 Walking on high moorland, traversing the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing the Lava Tower , and the final section of the Western Breach, reach Barranco Hut at 3900m where camp is set up. Most of the day will have been spent at altitude (4600m) total walk of 18km taking 7-9 hours. Day 6 10th March 2010 Descend into the start of the Great Barranco which is a huge ravine, and then exit steeply out of it up the Great Barranco Wall, this is mainly over rock. Pass underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers and head towards the Karanga Valley, continue to walk until we reach Barafu Camp at 4600m, an 18km taking 7-9 hours Day 7 11th March 2010 SUMMIT DAY! Up early to ascend the summit, climbing scree for 4-5 hours, first rays of sun should be coming through at around 5750m, another hour of walking should take us to the summit (Uruhu) at 5896m, we then descend to 3000m for breakfast and a rest, this is a 20km walk taking 10-12 hours. Day 8 12th March 2010 MY BIRTHDAY! A gentle trek back down through the rainforest, and a drive back to Moshi for a well deserved shower and rest…. Oh and celebrations! Day 9 13th March 2010 Free day in Moshi and a flight to Addis Ababa Day 10 14th March 2010 HOME!
Just to let you know that at 1130 local time (0830 British Time) on the 11th March 2010 I finally reached the Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro. The trip was certainly a once in a lifetime experience, and is one of the hardest things I have done and ever will do in my life. I am extremely proud of my achievement as on a number of occasions it would have been very easy to just give up and go back, but I was spurred on by all of the support that I have had from each and every one of you, and also of the thought that I was doing the challenge for an amazing charity. Thank you all for donating, I really do appreciate it.