I’ve been talked into undertaking a big challenge – I’m representing

Strawberry

I’m raising money for the Holy Trinity Hull Transformation fund one of Hull’s most culturally, historically and socially important buildings. Indeed it is England’s oldest brick built building still in the same use. dating from the 1300s.

I’d be so grateful for your donation whatever size. You can do so here:https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jonathan-Leafe1

All climbers are funding their own trip and kit - 100% of donations will be going to the Holy Trinity Transformation fund

I’ve done many fundraising challenges over time but this is the big one. Whilst climbing Kilimanjaro effectively is a long walk up a big hill (6,000 metres or so) the real challenge is the altitude.

Here are a few stats:

At very high altitudes over 5000m, weight loss is unavoidable because your body actually consumes your muscles in order to provide energy.

There is a risk that the body’s immune system will become weakened, leading to an increased risk of infections and adverse changes in the chemical make-up of the muscles.

At very high altitudes, further problems are encountered: loss of appetite, inhibition of muscle repair processes and excessive work of breathing. On top of this, there is the problem of altitude illnesses, which can dramatically reduce the capacity to be active at altitude, or foreshorten the exposure to high altitude altogether.

Additionally the increase in red blood cells also effects the body. Having too many blood cells makes the blood thicker and can make blood flow sluggish. This makes it harder for your heart to pump round the body, and can actually decrease the amount of oxygen getting to where it is needed.

So all in all this is a real challenge for an old bloke!

Thank you for reading and hopefully sharing.

Twig