Sophie Grace Holmes
Sophie Grace Holmes - Kilimanjaro Summit Climb - 'That Small Mountain'
Fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Story
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On October 14 2015 we will be taking on the challenge of our lives, mentally and physically to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the worlds highest freestanding Mountain at 5,895m for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (and of course as promised, celebrating reaching the summit with Nutella and Burpees!!)
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects over 10,000 people and is present from birth causing chronic, progressive lung disease presenting with recurrent chest infections and breathing difficulties that can lead to lung transplants. It also commonly causes problems in the digestive system. Patients rely on daily physiotherapy and medication to keep themselves well alongside intensive hospital appointments every 3 months. Current average life expectancy is around 40 years old although this is improving all the time with advances in treatment and research.
As you know, I suffer from Cystic Fibrosis, most people are unware of the daily battle consisting of numerous drugs, inhalers, medications, vigorous training in and out the gym, using altitude training masks and finding new ways to challenge my body to keep my Lung Function above 100%. CF will never stop me, only drive me to pursue my dreams and use it as my strength – without it I wouldn’t be me so in a way I am thankful as it has made me the person I am, I will never give up only prove any dream is possible if you have the courage to pursue it regardless of those things that are seen as limitations. I have always been extremely driven and motivated but even more so since my hospital admission 3 years ago where for the first time ever I was scared of my CF and it made me realise how important it is to live every day like it's your last, truly live to the max and follow your aspirations and so that's what I intend to do especially in memory of some of my friends who sadly lost the fight. I have more determination and zest for life than ever, and I am on a mission to tick off my lengthy bucket list (that's always being added to!) with the help and support of friends
and family I couldn't do it without you, you know who you are so thank you and on the top of the list of course, is Mount Kilimanjaro - so bring on October!
I have never been so excited, but so absolutely terrified to complete a challenge I am so passionate about especially with the overwhelming support we have. I have wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a long time, years and finally decided to go for it when one of my closest friends, Codie, mentioned she wanted to climb a 'small' mountain and that's when we both agreed to take on this immense once in a lifetime experience.. Absolutely mad but we wouldn't have it any other way! This will be a real challenge for us both and friends who are joining us but suffering from a lung condition will really be the test of strength, I will
do what it takes and show CF what we are made of especially with the support from everyone around us. I potentially could be only the second person to complete the climb with CF so I am giving this all I have got and preparing as much as I can as regardless of how we feel the view from the top will be absolutely
breath taking (quite literally) but one I will never forget, absolutely beautiful!
Thank you again for your support and donations let’s do what we can to help find a cure for this horrible disease – 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 the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Sophie and Codie
On October 14 2015 we will be taking on the challenge of our lives, mentally and physically to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the worlds highest freestanding Mountain at 5,895m for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (and of course as promised, celebrating reaching the summit with Nutella and Burpees!!)
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects over 10,000 people and is present from birth causing chronic, progressive lung disease presenting with recurrent chest infections and breathing difficulties that can lead to lung transplants. It also commonly causes problems in the digestive system. Patients rely on daily physiotherapy and medication to keep themselves well alongside intensive hospital appointments every 3 months. Current average life expectancy is around 40 years old although this is improving all the time with advances in treatment and research.
As you know, I suffer from Cystic Fibrosis, most people are unware of the daily battle consisting of numerous drugs, inhalers, medications, vigorous training in and out the gym, using altitude training masks and finding new ways to challenge my body to keep my Lung Function above 100%. CF will never stop me, only drive me to pursue my dreams and use it as my strength – without it I wouldn’t be me so in a way I am thankful as it has made me the person I am, I will never give up only prove any dream is possible if you have the courage to pursue it regardless of those things that are seen as limitations. I have always been extremely driven and motivated but even more so since my hospital admission 3 years ago where for the first time ever I was scared of my CF and it made me realise how important it is to live every day like it's your last, truly live to the max and follow your aspirations and so that's what I intend to do especially in memory of some of my friends who sadly lost the fight. I have more determination and zest for life than ever, and I am on a mission to tick off my lengthy bucket list (that's always being added to!) with the help and support of friends
and family I couldn't do it without you, you know who you are so thank you and on the top of the list of course, is Mount Kilimanjaro - so bring on October!
I have never been so excited, but so absolutely terrified to complete a challenge I am so passionate about especially with the overwhelming support we have. I have wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a long time, years and finally decided to go for it when one of my closest friends, Codie, mentioned she wanted to climb a 'small' mountain and that's when we both agreed to take on this immense once in a lifetime experience.. Absolutely mad but we wouldn't have it any other way! This will be a real challenge for us both and friends who are joining us but suffering from a lung condition will really be the test of strength, I will
do what it takes and show CF what we are made of especially with the support from everyone around us. I potentially could be only the second person to complete the climb with CF so I am giving this all I have got and preparing as much as I can as regardless of how we feel the view from the top will be absolutely
breath taking (quite literally) but one I will never forget, absolutely beautiful!
Thank you again for your support and donations let’s do what we can to help find a cure for this horrible disease – 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 the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Sophie and Codie