We made it to the top!

Firstly we would like to thank everyone for their kind donations which means we have totally eclipsed our fundraising target.

I think it is fair to say that we underestimated the mountain. We climbed toUhuruPeak, which at 5895 metres above sea level is not only the highest point on the mountain, but also the highest point inAfrica. 

The team summated at 0545 hours (02:45 GMT)

The bid for the summit began at midnight (2100 hrs GMT) on Friday 19^th September, and involved a total of over 11 hours continuous trekking, to ascend and safely return to the base camp. 

We spent over 5 hours ascending ice covered scree, at snail’s pace, with only the light from our head torches and the moon. It was slow going. The ascent route was steep, slippery and we had to maintain our concentration.

Managing the effects of altitude posed its own challenges. Hammering headaches were our main problem, at least in the initial days on the mountain, as our bodies began to adapt to the altitude. ‘The final push for the summit was tricky, you had to be sure footed. The physical effort required, combined with reduced oxygen levels at that altitude made it both mentally and physically exhausting.

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On the 13th September we are attempting to climb Kilimanjaro. In doing so we are hoping to raise £2000 for charity. Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa at 5,895m, a considerable feat of human endurance! The breathable oxygen at the top is less than half the amount that is common at sea level, and we will be covering at least eighty kilometres on nothing but our own two feet over the 6 days it takes to reach the top and return.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Tom Flux, Alistair Hall-Jones, Guy De Glanville, Peter Sharvell, Richard Gregory, Richard Leggate