Three Old Geezers From Stour Valley Lions Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a combined age of over 200…..

Kilimanjaro- we made it.

Out team successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest in Africa at 5895m on 3rd October 2009 reaching the top at 15:00hrs.l There are several ways up Kili, we chose the Machame route, commonly known as the whiskey route, its length 61km and height gain of 2800m, although in practice the height gain was much more than this due to acclimatization days when we climbed high then descended to sleep low. The route is graded hard and starts at Machame Gate and finishes at Barafu Hut. The decent follows the Mwaka route.

We had a substantial support team comprising: guide, assistant guide, cook and numerous others totalling 15 in all as the food and camping equipment for seven days trekking had to be carried.

This was an experience of a lifetime but the hardest thing I have ever endured. Would I do it again? Definitely not, but an experience like this tells you something about yourself and what you are made of. The effect of exhaustion and high altitude lasted for several days after returning home but the good memories of the trip will last as long as I live.

To date we have raised about £2,000in sponsor donations towards Stour Valley Lions charities which include: Air Ambulance, Macmilan Nursing and SightFirst. Our web site will remain open for a further two months should anyone wish to make a donation. www.justgiving.com/lions-climb-kili

Alternatively, contact Graham Williamson for a Gift Aid Form by telephoning 01608 665057 or email:gwillia123@aol.com. Thank you for your consideration.