Fundraiser reaches highest peak
Janet Dealey put her physical and mental strength to the test in September 2010 when she climbed all the way to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Brain Research Trust.
“I first thought of raising money for Brain Research Trust because Annie, a dear friend, had suffered from CJD for a few years. Then in May 2010, my wonderful father died from a severe stroke. Both Annie and my Dad inspire me to raise as much money as I can for this worthwhile cause.
“I happened to be looking at some photographs on the internet and saw a wonderful view from the top of Kilimanjaro and thought I would love to be up there. I knew that to raise money I would need to do something extraordinary and this could be it. I had no doubt that it would be a challenge, but I hadn't realised how much of a challenge!”
After months of preparation, Janet finally got to Tanzania in September 2010.
“The trek started in quite a gentle way, travelling between five and eight hours a day, gradually ascending. Each time we reached the camp sites, the tents were up and the dinner was on. Easy! But, oh boy was I in for a shock three days later!
“Daytime temperatures were reasonable but nights very cold indeed. Because of the altitude the last night before arriving at base camp we had to leave our tent doors open. What a choice: suffocate or die of hypothermia? I ended up wearing six layers, but I was still cold!"
“'The final ascent [to the top] will be at midnight,’ they said. This was to enable us to reach the summit at sunrise, but I had a different explanation: if you were to see what you were about to climb in daylight, you would go straight back to your tent!”
“Midnight 18 September, we got ourselves ready. Six hours later I was at the top and what a wonderful view I had before me! I had finally attained my goal and the realisation that I had raised more than my target for Brain Research Trust gave me a much needed warm glow.”
Overall Janet raised a massive £1,910.81 for Brain Research Trust. What a fantastic achievement!
Click the images below to see photos Janet took along the way!
If you’re considering embarking on a personal challenge, call and get in touch with our events team on 020 7404 9982 or email events@brt.org.uk
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