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Kilimanjaro or Bust!
Tales of an epic adventure by our very own Stephen Woolley......
On the basis that I like to do all of my exercise in one go, I've foolishly decided to sign up to tackle Kilimanjaro in September as part of a team  raising funds for the British Heart Foundation with the personal target of raising £10,000 for this much deserving charity. Scaling Africa's highest peak promises to be a very challenging but unbelievable experience.
For those who don't know, standing at some 19330ft from its base and 19342ft above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent. It is also the highest “walkable” mountain in the world!
I've never been above 19,000 ft before, other than in an aircraft, but I was working on the assumption that, if chubby Chris Moyles can reach the top, anyone can. Then I recently heard that Martina Navratilova, not exactly a slouch in the fitness department, was airlifted to hospital a few weeks ago with high-altitude pulmonary oedema, otherwise known as an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. I also discovered that only 30 percent of climbers make it to the summit and most get ill along the way. In 2007 four climbers were killed in the space of just seven days, while some estimates claim 50 people die on the ascent every year. And to think I believed those people who told me it was just a “very tough Hike”...........
However, having recently lost my father to a sudden heart attack, I am only too aware of the devast ation heart disease can cause families through the sudden premature loss of a loved one. In 2007 cardiovascular disease caused 34% of deaths in the UK – 193,000 people! It was with this in mind that i have decided to undertake the arduous but rewarding task of climbing Kilimanjaro.
The trek is all planned and a tough training regime is underway which includes monthly treks up Snowdon, 3 Peaks challenge in the spring and coast to coast cycle ride in the summer. All that’s needed now is the much needed sponsorships.
How do you do that??... EASY – simply follow this LINK and click the “SPONSOR ME NOW” button. You can leave any comment you wish by way of encouragement – anything would be most welcome.
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business and consumers alike resulting in many incorrect assumptions regarding future compliance. At long last (and many would say unacceptably overdue), FENSA has now published a “Simple Method” to comply with Document L which will be received with much relief by the market and consumers in general.