Tuesday 20 May 2014

Student to tackle Kilimanjaro

Events undergraduate Seb Field literally has a mountain to climb in June when he flies out to Tanzania in Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Along with his wife, Danielle, Seb is undertaking the challenge in aid of the Nasio Trust - a charity that works with children in Kenya. We spoke to Seb to find out more.

"I'm climbing Kilimanjaro because it's something I've always wanted to do. I've always loved travelling, trekking and mountaineering and this is a good combination of the three.

"My mother was born in Tanzania and it would mean a lot to me to be able to go there and climb this mountain in a country with some of my family history. Plus, it is one of the seven summits (the highest mountains in each of the seven continents) so it's one ticked off the list.

"We fly out on June 20th, and begin climbing three days later. In total it will take a week to get to the summit. This is largely due to time needed to acclimatize so we don't get altitude sickness. It then takes a further two days to come down the mountain. Standing at 5,895 metres, it's the highest point in the whole of Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

"I do have some experience. I was the organiser and leader for the 'Walk-the-Wall' expedition. This was a group of 14-25 year olds who hiked the length of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail over six days, camping each night. The hike took place in mid-winter in a time which happened to be the worst winter and deepest snows in the area for 20 years.

"Additionally I've climbed mountains all around the UK, in the USA, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Austria. However, the biggest I've done so far was 3,500 metres (Disappointment Peak in Wyoming, USA) so it's quite a jump to Kilimanjaro.

"Through the scheme with which we're climbing the mountain we are obliged to raise a total of £5,900. We have just over £5,600 so far so we're nearly there. We'd really appreciate any further donations.

"After climbing the mountain we will be volunteering in a day-care centre for a few days before heading back to the UK."

To sponsor Seb and Danielle please click here.

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