Why? 

So I’ve decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Why I hear you ask? Good question!

Those of you who know me (or at least thought you knew me) will appreciate just how much this challenge will take me out of my comfort zone. I don’t like camping, I don’t like sleeping on the floor, I don’t like wearing grubby clothes, I fear flying rodents to the extent that I can’t call them by their name, oh, and I don’t have a good history in endurance events!  The Great North run immediately springs to mind.  But this will be all part of the challenge …... right!?!

So, now that we’ve determined that this is clearly some kind of mid-life crisis perhaps I can explain why this trip. 

I’ve always been fascinated by Africa and I’ve always had a bee in my bonnet about one day trekking up a mountain.  Added to that is the cause.  Since I moved to the island I have always been willing to give my time and pledge money to charities, no more so than The Isle of Man Children’s Centre.  As a charity it really does incredible things, working directly with over 1,000 children, young people and families each week
running vital services across the Island, each working to address a different recognised need.

So when I heard that The Children’s Centre was organising a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro it took no time at all for me to realise that this was the perfect fit!

The challenge

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, rising 5,895 metres above sea level.  It has become a popular destination for trekkers, and fundraisers, to attempt those once in a lifetime aspirations.  If you’re struggling to comprehend just how high that is, then next time you’re sitting on a flight to Gatwick your cruising altitude will be virtually the same as the height to which we intend to climb.  However, we’ll achieve that after trekking through dense tropical rainforest, moorland and scree at temperatures close to 30 degrees, which is a slightly different terrain to what you will have experienced before boarding your flight.

My goal

This is my goal but I’m hoping to raise a lot of money for charity at the same time.  I’m covering all my costs personally, so every penny which I raise will go directly to the charity.  I was a bit reluctant to set myself fundraising goals at first, but to put this challenge into perspective only 30% of those who attempt the climb make it to the summit.  Plus Kili is roughly 10 times the height of Snaefell, and I like a challenge and I like those figures.  So I’d be delighted to raise £3,010 and every penny which you decide to pledge will go directly towards me achieving that sum.

Thank you and best wishes,

Craig