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!