I've signed up to trek/climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2016!

I have visited Africa many times over the years to see friends and family in various African countries. I remember seeing “Kili” rising majestically above the Serengeti plains and I have always wanted to take on this difficult challenge to scale the mythical mountain.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world, also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5896m. On average, about half of trekkers fail to reach Kili’s summit. Altitude sickness and body breakdowns cause the high failure rate.

The 10 day hike/climb is slow going over difficult volcanic terrain and sometimes lungs, knees and ankles don’t hold up. In fact only 8 out of 30 reached the summit from a recent group. Almost every kind of ecological system is found on the mountain: cultivated land, rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and an arctic summit. This trek/climb doesn't get any tougher and it will be the ultimate challenge to complete in aid of our local hospice and a very worthy charity!

I'm a Martial Arts Instructor and have been training in Taekwondo for 30years plus teaching/coaching in and around Torbay for the last 20 years. My other passion is the Sea, whether in/on or under it. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if a mix of Taekwondo and wakeboarding will prepare me for the challenge ahead?! So, I am starting stringent training with a 6 month program to increase my fitness & endurance levels for this ultimate challenge.

I have first hand experience of all the excellent palliative care that Rowcroft Hospice provides for patients and their families across South Devon. I have seen family and close friend pass through their care, and I am very aware of all the good work Rowcroft does in the local community.

Those who know me well, will know that I don’t talk much about the loss of family and close friends. So for me, taking on this challenge will achieve 3 goals.

1) A way to remember and honor all those close to me, which have passed over the years.

2) To be a rewarding personal experience to create a remarkable memory.

3) And, to support, fundraise and lift the profile of Rowcroft.

With the support and sponsorship I receive from doing this trek/climb, it will help fund the remarkable events that happen at Rowcroft every day such as, remarkable reunions, precious memories, which are priceless and helping people pass with care, love and dignity in their final days.

This tough challenge will be taking place between 7th & 17th October 2016. This is a self funded trip which means All monies raised will go directly to Rowcroft Hospice.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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