Txt msg from Faye

Good morning from the Kilimanjaro mountain lodge! All well here, just had breakfast and managed to walk back to the room...just. Packing all bags now, off to look round local town Moshi later, then straight to the airport for flight to Nairobi. Fx

Monday September 12th - Day 10!

Marangu

Today we have free time to explore Marangu either independently or on an optional tour, before departing for the UK on an overnight flight to London via Nairobi.

Nearly home...

Txt msg from Faye

Hello! Yes, its me back from the summit & kibo huts & down to horombo huts, no phone signal above alt 3700m. So last night was summit night & I'm sorry to say that I missed the summit by 500m. Team medic sent me back down the mountain after diagnosing me with alt sickness at 5300m. Disappointed (naturally) having got so close, but 5300m was my personal kilimanjaro summit! I said a prayer to Andy before starting the 3hr decent with my two porters. Thank you all for you continued well wishes & prayers. These experience has been more than I could have ever imagined in so many ways. Can't wait to see you. Much love fx

Sunday September 11th - Day 9!

Day 9

Horombo Hut - Marangu

Approximately 6-7 hrs trekking

After breakfast we prepare for our trek back down to Marangu Park Gate. this will be rapid and withing three an half hours we will reach Mandara Hut and after a further three hours anda brief lunch stop we reach the Park Gate and cross the finish line marking the end of the trek.  We then transfer to our hotel where we relax for the afternoon to rebalance and rest our aching limbs. Tonight we will toast our achievements on this incredible adventure with a special celebratory meal together.

Saturday September 10th - Day 8!

Day 8

The Summit

Approximately 15-17 hours trekking

Today we will reach the 'Roof of Africa' as we trek to teh summit to encouter a magnificent sunrise.

We start just after midnight to embark on a very slow strenuous ascent up the steepest and most difficult part of the challenge to Gilman's Point, perched on the crater rim at an altitude of 5,685m (18,655ft). From here we will rest to watch the sun begin to rise and take in the stunning view. At this point everyone will qualify to have climbed Kilimanjaro so we can congratulate ourselves on a truly amazing achievement!

Those who wish to return to Kibo Hut can do so at this point, or there is an option to continue for a further two hours through snow and wind to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m (19,342ft) This can be extremely cold with temperatures dropping well below freezing. At the top we are treated to incredible views of hte world beneath us - on a clear day we may even see Mount Kenya.

Once rested we begin the gradual descent over difficult scree sections to Kibo Hut before continuing to Horomobo Hut to rest and spend the night.

Friday September 9th - Day 7!

Day 7

Acclimitisation day - approximately 5 hours trekking

Today is anotehr acclimatisation day to get used to the even higher altitude we will have now reached. We trek halfway to Williams Point at approximately 5,000m before returning to Kibo Hut where we will spend the remainder of the day resting to prepare for tomorrow's ascent to the summit.

Thursday September 8th - Day 6!

Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut; approximately 7-8 hours of trekking

This morning we set off through spectacular mountain flora and fauna including giant cacti and lobelia. We reach the Kibo saddle where we stop for a picnic lunch from where we can see our destination - Kibo Hut.

After lunch the ascent takes us beyond the water point as we enter the desert zone. This section will be touch and slow-going, as well as cold due to the high altitude. After a challenging climb we reach an altitude of 4,732m (15,525ft) before arriving at Kibo Hut where we sleep at 4,700m.

Wednesday September 7th - Day five!

Acclimatisation day...approximately 5 hours trekking!

Today is an acclimitisation day where we will walk to a point higher than Horombo Hut before descending back to camp to rest for the remainder of the day. This is a tried and tested acclimatisation practise which will help our bodies to adjust to the altitude. We will reap the benefits from this later on in the trek.



The trail up Kibo is just visible in the middle of the photo

 We will set off after breakfast and head along the upper Kibo trail through rocky mountain vegetation to 'Zebra Rock' at an altitude of 4,000m. From here we continue to an observation point at 4,200m (13,780ft) to experience spectacular view of Kibo Hut, the twin peaks and the trail to the summit. We then return back to camp for lunch and time to be build strength for the days ahead.

Tuesday September 6th - Day four!

Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut

Approximately 7-8 hours trekking

We start early today as we have a long trek ahead of us. The route takes us along the uphill trail through forest and across heath and moorland. The surrounding landscape takes on a more rugged and rocky terrain and in the distance we are treated to fantastic view of the magnificient peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

Mawenzi



The saddle area between Mawenzi and Kibo

As we continue to climb steadily, we pass through the cloud level up to today's highest point at 3,761m before arriving at our overnight stop, Horombo Hut at 3,700m (12,138ft).

Horombo Huts above the clouds

 

Morning! From marangu park entrance. Checking in all paper work. 4-5 hrs trekking today, 1000m. Beautiful!! Fx


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monday September 5th - Day three!

Day 3

Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut

(approximately 4-5 hours trekking)

Following breakfast, we will have a detailed briefing from the tour manager, guides and trek doctor to ensure everyone is fully prepared  and ready to begin the trek. We then set off to the start point at the Marangu Park Gate entrance.
After completing the necessary formalities, we start our ascent.

 

The trail weaves through dense forest, filled with the noises of chatting Colobus monkey. We are also surrounded by an incredible variety of towering trees, giant ferns and beautiful wild forest flowers. En route we stop for a picnic lunch to rest and recharge our batteries for the afternoon's hike.

We continue our gentle ascent along the rain forest dirt trail climbing to an altitude of 2,744m before dropping to reach Mandara Hut. This will be our overnight stop where we sleep at an altitude of 2,700m (9,000 feet).

 


Time permitting there will also be a short trek from the hut to the Maundi Crater.

 

Sunday September 4th - Day two!

Day 2
Arrive Kilimanjaro

We arrive in Tanzania and transfer to our hotel in the village of Marangu, 2km from the park entrance.

This afternoon we have free time to relax and acclimatise in preparation for the adventure ahead.

This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner after which we will hear more about what to expect from the challenge.

Tonight we sleep at an altitude of 1,800m (5,906 feet).

Accomodation for the first night - Nakara Hotel in the Marangu Village.

      

Saturday September 3rd - Day one!

Day 1
London to Kilimanjaro
Overnight night flight from London Heathrow to Kilimanjaro via Nairobi with Kenyan Airways.

Leaving London tonight 8pm on Saturday  and arriving at Kilimanjaro tomorrow, Sunday September 4th at 9am (local time)

Now the fun begins!

Exclusive video footage (with full sound this time!)

I'll be uploading the video (with full sound this time!) very shortly...

A week later and a year older...

Yes, its been quite a week!

My 38th birthday came and went, thank you to everyone who kindly donated what they would have spent on a birthday card etc, and loaded the pennies on my Just Giving site - it means the world and I am truly greatful.

My current total as of this morning (Aug 24) is £11,810.84 !!

On Saturday I enjoyed my walk in Lee-on-Solent, the walk wasn't as long as usual but just as enjoyable if not more, as I was by one of my most favourite things....the sea!
Yes - with my friend and colleague Kerrie we walked along the coastal path, the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky, it was bliss.

Pictures from my walk along the coastal path at Lee-on-Solent.

 

My plans for this week:

• to make my final list of stuff still to buy
• change guest room at home from beautiful boudoir to departure lounge
• wash wash wash - kit and clothes
• read through all pack information sent from the BHF
• walk (location not yet decided)
• collapse in a heap! :0)

My plans for tonight:

• counting down from 10 days its all down hill from here. Well until the big uphill bit in Africa!
• coat soles of my feet in surgical spirit every night until departure to harden skin and prevent blisters (nice!)

Well folks that's all for now, I'll be waffling more tomorrow so stay tuned and speak soon.

Fx

What did you do this weekend...

Well I walked about 10½  miles in 3½  hours and thoroughly enjoyed it, no really I did!

It was a great day, nice breeze but not cold, no rain and not too hot. Slightly overcast but such beautiful views of our fine British Countryside.

  

      

 The things that made it really enjoyable for me were:

Super Socks! (but not my legs)

The pace was my pace: I kept myself going at about 2/2.5mph. Such a relief after some treks where I'm walking at somebody elses pace, someone with longer legs who typically goes much faster.

• Loving my new posh socks: I know can you believe the day has come where I'm singing the praises of a particular brand of sock?!
• X-socks Trekking Air Step - Bliss, magic, comfortable, no blisters, wow - nuff said! For more info on my dream sock visit my friends at Trek Hire UK they're fab! http://www.trekhireuk.com/TrekkingAirStep.html

After the walk I got home, no aches, no pains. Still had a spring in my step even 24-48hrs afterwards.
I also took the opportunity to test run some different snacks to have whilst walking. Different healthy granola snacks, which were ok but could be a little tricky on the dental front - that's how hard they were. Only to be consumed whilst seated with a hot cup of tea, is what I think it should say on the packet.

However my favourite by a long way is Munchy Seeds. Have you heard of them? I must admit I hadn't, but these little zebra bags of joy are super, my fav is the Vanilla Pumpkin Seeds in these little handy size bags.

So socks and snacks is all I have for today; I know what a truly exciting life I lead.

Have you donated yet?We're just over £11,500 now - remember if you'd like to donate simply visit http://original.justgiving.com/fayemorris1

Thank you for visiting and I'll be back with more personalised waffle soon. Fx

Where have I been...

My lovely M-I-L Anne and myself

Well, you may well ask. Things certainly were busy on the run up to the fund raising event in July - thank you for everyone that supported the event without you all none of it would have been possible.

139 people attended, 117 raffle tickets sold and the 9 items on the silent auction were a great success!

All the figures are in and the final count has been done - drum roll please... we raised £3,112.50!!! Amazing, truly amazing thank you all so much!

So what now... well just the small matter of flying to Tanzania and climbing a mountain. But apart from that not much.

My training has taken a hit the past 5 days as I've been struck down by one of the most nasty viral infections i've ever had. Basically I've been in bed since Thursday afternoon last week and have been completely wiped out. Aches and pains like I've never known, zero appetite and zero energy. Gradually getting up and around now and hoping to head back into the office tomorrow. But jeewhiz it was a horrible!! yuck.

This weekend, I'm planning two walks in and around the Lambourn Valley - the ridgeway maybe - the white horse - the punch bowl...  who knows, so many to choose from.

Well dear friends, apologies for my absence but as I'm now counting down to my September 3rd departure I will blogging more regularly about my final preparations.

Much love Fx

Have you got your tickets?

Yes, things are a little crazy in the Morris household this week - yes, more than usual.We're on the final countdown to this weekends Kilimanjaro Fundraising Event.

Saturday July 9
The Irish Centre, Reading
7:30pm- late

Tickets are still available at £12.50 each, and it would be so wonderful to see as many friendly faces there as possible.  Drop me an email to reserve your tickets faye-morris@hotmail.co.uk

The fundraising has been going well, bearing in mind the running total and my target I feel confident that we'll be in double figures by end of the month. (fingers and toes crossed)
So dear frieds I ask you - dig deep, no matter how large or small every penny counts.

For the latest info visit http://original.justgiving.com/fayemorris1

When is 80% enough?

When you feel pain like you’ve never experienced, in a part of your body you knew about but have never been formally introduced too outside of your school biology class. When you have the strength to say, enough for today, to ensure that you have a successful tomorrow.

Yes, all these things and many more ran through my mind on day two of my Snowdon Trek/Training Weekend on June 4/5.

The views were fantastic!

Day one:
We climbed Cwm Idwall, Tryfan Glyders and descended down Devils Kitchen. The guides told us at the end of our 10hr day that they had intentionally made day one much harder and more difficult, with the belief that if we could cope we’d easily manage Kilimanjaro. So I completed day one, but my legs suffered with the climb down Devils Kitchen.  Little did I know at the end of day one, how much I’d put my legs through.

Day two:
We rose early – now the interesting thing about this morning was upon getting out of the bunk, realizing what little mobility I had in my legs. It felt like I had concrete strapped to my groin and down my inner legs. Standing at the top of the staircase staring at each step with trepidation with my towel and toothbrush in hand, getting down the stairs seemed impossible, never mind up Snowdon. Gathering myself together I practically slid down the stair case, right shoulder against the wall and feet angled out to the far left hand corner of each step. It was like teasing an ironing board down the stairs.
Getting ready was slow, and mentally I was thinking, “You’ll be fine, you just need to get walking and warm up, your muscles are cold is all”.

On the way up Cwm Idwall and Tryfan Glyders

We go to Snowdon, started trekking, the weather blew in – I stopped to put my wet weather gear on and off we went. It was heavy going, stepping up big boulders, rocks/steps – constantly looking for the small stones/rocks in between to make the going a little easier. Within 20-30minutes I couldn’t see the main group, they were way ahead of me and yet again I was at the back of the bus. To keep me company and keep an eye on me I had Harvey, one of our experienced trek guides and Kate from the British Heart Foundation. The weather was wet, the cloud and mist blew in which did make it disorientating. After a couple of hours my legs already felt like I’d walked all day and the pain in my groin hadn’t lessened any – it was simply changing volume and intensity. Harvey was so kind and patient with me, I was only too well aware of slow I was going and he could tell how much discomfort I was in, even though I didn’t say anything for the first few hours. Then as the hours passed, Harvey gently started to mention that I didn’t have to get to the top today… My heart sank, I felt tears welling up. I said ‘I didn’t want to give up’ I swallowed the tears back and kept saying ‘Come on Andy, Come on darling I know you’re with me’. As I came to the 4 1/2 hour mark, I stopped, raised my head to Harvey and said ‘I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ll get to the top today’. I had under estimated the pain, and the effort it takes having that pain and discomfort. So in short we carried on walking for about another 90minutes, then up ahead through the clouds and mist Harvey announced he could see the track down the mountain – the miners trek. I could just make it out, jaggedly making its way down the side of Snowdon.
Another 2 ½ hours later and we were at the bottom, sat on a bench in the car park. I was mentally and physically exhausted. I felt overwhelmed, disappointed and felt I’d let myself and Andy down – as the tears came to my eyes (behind my sunglasses) I looked up to the point where Harvey said we were, 20% off the summit.

Me and Snowdon

Looking back, 80% was huge for me, especially after the mammoth 10hr walk/climb/scramble on Saturday. I found it hard not walking with the main group, I felt like I wasn’t bonding and socializing with them – just by the very nature of me being at the back of the bus for 2 days. I felt like a bit of a failure, no one wants to be last.

But then on further reflection, upon one of my many chats with Andy – I reminded myself how far I’d come. What I had already achieved to get me to this point, and whilst it’s going to get harder, my fitness and mental strength will also get better.

Refocusing my energy with regards to my bereavement and loss isn’t always easy, and sounds easy when typing it up like this. But the alternatives are too much, too real, too overwhelming and the pain is too much to bear – so this for me is right…for right now. 
Those dark heavy days are always there, I feel them constantly, its something I carry with me. But doing something for Andy…well, I could climb every mountain in the world and it would never be enough.

I miss you darling – you’ll never know how much. Fx

Conquering Snowdon this weekend

Here's my itinrary for this weekend's expedition up Snowdon. See a webcam of Snowdon right now, here!

Snowdon

FRIDAY
Arrive at Jess James Bunkhouse, Nr Llanberis, Gwynedd by 18.30 for a evening meal and briefing.
During this briefing, I will learn more abuot altitude sickness.

SATURDAY
Breakfast will be available from 6.30, there will be food available to make up my pack lunch. We will aim to depart from Jesse James Bunkhouse at 7.30am for a Tryfan and Glydders. We will stop for an hour lunch and then aim to to shower and change before we have dinner!

SUNDAY
6.30am – breakfast, we will aim to leave by 7.30am to summit Snowdon. We aim to be down off Snowdon by 2pm so that I can prepare for my departure home.

Yikes!

July 9th fundraiser!

I'm holding a fundraising event in memory of my husband Andy who passed away in April 2010 of a heart condition.

As you'll no doubt already be aware, I'm climbing all 19,342 feet of Kilimanjaro in September and aim to raise as much money for the British Heart Foundation as possible; my target is £19,342.00 to be precise - that's one pound for every foot that I climb.

I have 200 tickets available, and you can buy as many as you like for £12.50 each. Included in the ticket price is a glass of bubbles on arrival and there will be a light buffet too, along with a raffle, an auction and music throughout the evening. If you'd like a ticket, contact me directly or request a ticket via this blog or tweet me. To keep things as simple as possible, please send me the pennies and I'll post you the tickets!

I'm hoping that this will be a sell-out, so please ensure you have your ticket before coming to the venue!

BHF's garden at the Chelsea Flower show

I recently went to the RHS Chelsea Flower show and saw British Heart Foundation's award-winning garden. The garden was built to help celebrate our 50th anniversary and raise funds for our Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.

It reflects how amazing and precious the human heart is. It also symbolises the need for our Mending Broken Hearts research programme that could begin to literally mend broken hearts in as little as ten years time. Read more about it here.

A message of encouragement

A mighty wind blew night and day.
It stole the oak tree's leaves away,
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark.
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around.
The weary wind gave up and spoke,
"How can you still be standing, Oak?"
The oak tree said, "I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two,
Carry every leaf away,
Shake my limbs, and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth,
Growing stronger since my birth.
You'll never touch them, for you see,
They are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure
Of just how much I could endure.
But now I've found, with thanks to you,
I'm stronger than I ever knew".

Where does the time go...

that's been my enduring question, not only this week but especially the last 12 months.

Friday April 8th signalled a year since Andy passed away. It truly doesn't seem or feel possible, whilst also being difficult to comprehend that I have been without my best friend, confidante, husband and dearest companion. My life is the worse for it, but equally all the richer for ever having him in my life.
I cherish every second, every moment that we had. From every whisper in the ear, kiss on my neck to every conversation, phone call, text, email, to midnight conversations playing chocolate bar Top Trumps in the dark, when neither of us could sleep. For the looks we gave each other where words simply weren't needed. To every wink, wrinkle of the nose and all the little words we had which were just ours.

Andy made me the person I am today and made me want to be a better person by simply being with him.

Apple Pie Andy - love always from your NLPx

Newspaper feature: The Universe

The Universe - April 10, 2011

Newspaper feature: The Chronicle

The Chronicle, April 7 2011

My radio interview

On reflection…

the week has gone pretty well from a training point of view. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1 hour sessions from 7-8am and Wednesday was a one hour afternoon session. The sessions have been really varied, never the opportunity for boredom only to be out of breath.

“So what type of exercising have you done this week?” I hear you ask. Ok, deep breath I’ve done:

• Cross trainer
• Treadmill
• Arc trainer
• Arm cycle
• Various weight machines
• Free weights
• Boxing
• Circuit training
• Boxing circuit training
• Resistance training with a space hopper (not really, but you get the idea)
• Core and strength work
• Much STRREEEEETTCHING

And relax!

As of this morning (post training) I have lost another 2 ½ lbs.

So all in all, training wise it’s been good. I have had to be disciplined and organised, kind of like getting ready for school but needing your PE kit everyday!

Have a lovely weekend everyone – Happy Mothers Day and see you again soon.

It’s all about the kit!

Well, so I’ve been told…the top 5 kit items whose importance can not be overstated is…

1.       The boots (gortex, leather, ankle support, hooks for gators, what type of sole)
2.       The socks (not cotton, always wool, long and many pairs)
3.       Sleeping bag (arctic, super light, with hood or without, silk lining)
4.       Day pack (max 5kgs, pockets, 2 buckles – chest and waist, back padding)
5.       Main pack (max 12kgs as above)

After reading through the above, and the additional information I’ve received from the BHF this week regarding trip preparations, it sounds like the ultimate endurance version of Buckaroo!

One thing I can check off the list is boots. I bought my first pair last week and will be taking them out, with ‘L plates’, this weekend.  Not sure if these will be the Kili trip boots, but they are certainly more than good enough to train in for a few months.  A bigger shopping trip with Cotswolds Stores will be taking place late spring early summer.  Apparently I need poles too (to walk with), should be interesting. Don’t know about you but I’m picturing Bridget Jones right now, I know I won’t be skiing but it’s just the poles. All the gear and no idea! I’m sure this too will change as the weeks pass.



Stepping up the pace

What have I noticed since my last message to you…my training seems to be on the increase. Not like ‘I could swear I was only here yesterday’ when in the gym, more like – my trainer seems to be under the impression I’m running to and up Kilimanjaro!

Goodness me, out of breath at my training most definitely. But there’s out of breath and then there’s out……of ……………….breath!

Having a different trainer for a week was good, challenging, at times the voice in my head said ‘you do know this isn’t physically possible’. To which I replied, ‘oh do shut up and get on with it’ which I did!

Five and half months till departure and we’re on track. In fact I received an email from the British Heart Foundation yesterday updating me on training, packing lists, training weekends etc. Yes the reality is setting in; when I think about the challenge ahead I think it’s safe to say it’s rather daunting. So, I don’t think about…just train and go day to day! 

Andy, deep breaths and prayers will get me through. Oh and thick socks and good boots!

So Kilimanjaro…

It’s a mountain right…and a rather large one. However, even after seeing the trek I literally signed up without any further investigation.  So sit back and relax as we take a whirlwind tour of Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro Top 5 Facts:;

Red dot = my mountain!

1. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s largest freestanding mountain in Africa and the 4th highest of the seven summits

2. Location - north eastern Tanzania (very close to Kenyan border)

3. It has three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira
4. Its classed as an inactive stratovolcano
5. There are 6 established routes to climb Kilimanjaro depending on experience level

So now we know the basic facts, what about the trip itself.  Well, I depart London early September, flying direct into Kilimanjaro airport, I have a day to locate and acclimatise before the trek starts on day 2.  The complete duration of the trip is 10 days and by day 10 I’ll be down the mountain having climbed 19,342ft exploring Marangu in the afternoon before my flight back to London. Sounds so easy when you type it up like that doesn’t it.

Preparation is the key!
So apart from wanting to be in good (at least) physical fitness, there are the topics that we all think about in terms of diet, drinks, alcohol and exercise – but these now take on a new meaning for me.  These simple four words guide pretty much each decision I make, so for example the other week I had a great week in the gym and walking on the weekend, but then two not so fantastic meal choices meant I gained 1 1/2lb… I was not a happy bunny I can tell you.

So focus and choices…that’s what’s keeping me going and the ever-present memory of Andy.

Mending Broken Hearts Appeal - British Heart Foundation

The first step

In September 2011, in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, I'm doing the Climb Kilimanjaro Trek in memory of my husband Andy. Andy passed away in April 2010 of endocarditis, a very difficult to diagnose and dangerous inflammation of the inner layer of the heart.  Andy was only 34 years old.  He was a big, funny, lovable man, who brought a smile to the faces of everyone who knew him.   Andy was special and unforgettable, the heart of my life, and I want to do something that is also special and unforgettable in his memory, and of the wonderful life we had together.

Climbing all 19,342 feet of Kilimanjaro is a huge personal challenge for me, but I know Andy will be with me every step of the way, and I'll be taking every one of those steps for him.  My goal is to raise £1 for every foot that I climb – meaning £19,342.00.

I’m planning that this will be the first of many ‘Andy events’ over the coming years, because I want to do everything I can to raise money for the crucial cardiovascular research that might help ensure other extraordinary people like Andy don’t have to go before their time.  So please help me by sponsoring my Kilimanjaro trek.

This is my first blog of many, as I start my diary, my training and preparations for Kilimanjaro. I look forward to keeping you all updated and thank you for your support!