Manx Flag Waved at The Top of Kilimanjaro Summit

Thu, 16 Nov 2023

Six people who raised collectively £29,000 for various charities completed the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.

The team from Capital International Group, consisted of Werner Alberts, Jamie Wade, Karen Le Moal, Leanne, and John Venables.

After raising nearly £25,000 in various charity events, the Capital team headed to Tanzania to support the Huruma orphanage. A project that helped build and support the infrastructure to secure the orphans future for generations to come.

Joining them was Mike Valerga, who had always aspired to ascend Kilimanjaro alongside his late mother.

Sadly, his mother's dream was cut short by a brief illness, making his participation in this expedition a poignant tribute to her memory.

As part of Mikes goal, he managed to raise over £4000, which he split between Hospice Isle of Man and the Huruma Orphanage.

Leanne, a member of the Capital International Group team, now shares her own journey on the successful Kilimanjaro expedition, emphasising the unity and determination that made it all possible:

“Not that the normal climbing route up Kilimanjaro is hard enough, our team leader challenged us to undertake the difficult Marangu Route, known as the Coca Cola route."

This route, boasting a 50% success rate, offered the team a unique yet testing experience.

"The expedition began with our departure from the hotel, where experienced guides and dedicated porters warmly welcomed us. A two-hour journey to Marangu Gate marked a transition in the landscape, from dry, dusty terrain to lush, green tropical vegetation and farms. On the third day, we undertook a challenging 6- mile trek to Kibo Hut, located at an altitude of 4,700 meters, where the landscape transformed into an alpine desert, and the dropping temperature reminded us of the challenges ahead.

Sleep was scarce, and we initiated our midnight ascent to the summit, navigating the pitch-black environment illuminated only by our headlamps. After six and a half hours of relentless climbing, we reached Uhuru Peak, the summit, which brought forth an emotional moment as we reflected on our achievement.

Our descent from the mountain marked the end of this incredible journey, and as we descended, our cheers and well-wishes resonated with fellow climbers just beginning their adventure. In total, the whole team covered over 43 miles, reaching an astounding altitude of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), creating unforgettable memories that solidified our team bond."

 

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