Mount Kilimanjaro Challenge 2019
CHARITY CLIMB
Jay and Sam Dhir (Year 11 students), along with their Mum and football coach, took on the amazing challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Below is an article depicting their amazing journey and all the challenges that they faced:
The start of the journey
After what felt like a decade of packing, we finally left for Mount Kilimanjaro on 23rd July 2019. Ready to start our 7-day adventure, we were fully equipped, excited and eager. Motivation levels were high as we reached our target of £3000 for Teenage Cancer Trust the weekend before we left.
Over the course of the 7 days, we walked through very different terrains, including rainforest, desert and rocky paths. To give you an idea of how hard it was, on Day 2, we walked 17km in 7 hours, (39875 steps). The hike included rock climbing of Barranco Wall. By Day 6, we were exhausted, but eager to finish what we had started.
Summit night
Summit night was the most difficult time we experienced. After a full day’s trek, and only 2 hours sleep, we started the final push to reach the ‘Roof of Africa’ at 10.00pm. We hiked all night in the pitch black, relying on just our head torches which died in the first 2 hours. Passing two glaciers, it was a solemn thought to realise these would be gone in the next 50 years.
Despite both of us suffering from altitude sickness, our sheer determination and perseverance, made sure we reached Uhuru peak at 5895m at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Some parts, we needed to climb rocks that were half the height of us! At the summit, it was -11 degrees Celsius with some light snow and strong winds.
Food and fluids
Whilst the porters carried up our rucksacks containing our clothes, snacks, basic toiletries, and other supplies- weighing up to 14kg - we all had to carry our day packs containing our daily essentials. This included snacks, layers of clothing, accessories and lots of water. (We were expected to drink 2 litres per day.) The porters would collect water from a nearby lake or stream in which we would have to purify the water with chlorine tablets. (Half a tablet in 1 litre of water). Dioralyte was also added to our bottles. Dioralyte is a salt replenishment which is needed after hours of walking to avoid muscle cramps.
UPDATE ON THEIR FUNDRAISING
The Dhir’s have currently met and exceeded their fundraising target.
They are currently at a total £3515 for The Teenage Cancer Trust.
If you would like to donate and support their cause, the webpage link can be found below:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teenagecancertrustuk
