FOCUS Hike4Life 2007: Mount Kilimanjaro
In our toughest event to date, 43 participants tackled the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, attempting to reach the Uhuru peak at 5,895 metres. The six-day hike saw hikers enduring almost every climate type due to the mountain’s equatorial location and high elevation. The challenge was preceded by fitness assessments and training sessions. But as participants tackled the tough ascent, they had to depend on their mental strength and sheer determination to carry them forward to the final climb that culminated in more than 20 hours of hiking with less than five hours of sleep.
Salima Remtulla describes the experience:
"My ascent to Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro was a life-altering experience. I discovered inner strength I didn't know I had and recognised the limitations of self, the power of the mind and the strength a group holds, even when the individuals that comprise the group feel as though they have nothing left to give. Each successful Hike4Life participant had to work through exhaustion (a 20-hour climb on two hours of sleep), hunger-induced weakness (altitude sickness left us unable to eat), dehydration (our drinking water froze), and glacial temperatures (-25°C) to reach the summit. The feat required unbelievable mental fortitude and physical strength and I have returned inspired to demand more out of life each day."
Nafisa Hirji discovered she was allergic to the altitude sickness medication on the eve of the climb, but kept going regardless and raised £30,000.
"It was a very challenging experience and something that I always wanted to do. I more or less feel like I did the entire climb on an empty stomach as I would be sick after drinking just a few sips of water. The struggle itself is that you really want to do it, yet you are fighting against the odds. The legs are giving way and you are practically sleeping while you are climbing. That's when you summon your spiritual strength. It was a very spiritual experience particularly during the last climb towards the summit. You feel like you are in parallel with the sun rising and the stars seem so close, you feel like you can reach out and grab them. It was exhilarating, out of this world!"
Photos
You can find a selection of images from FOCUS Hike4Life 2007: Mount Kilimanjaro below:
