IPM colleague climbs Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of three fantastic causes
In September, our associate director James was part of a team that reached Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world (meaning it is not part of a mountain range) with Ururu Peak sitting at an altitude of 5,895 metres above sea level.
James and his team took on the mountain’s Lemosho route, which saw them climb for five days, sleeping at various heights so they were able to acclimatise to the altitude, before a two-day descent.
Summit night saw the team leave just after midnight to take on the final 1,200 metres of climb. The team spent the first five hours ascending by head torch light only, and it was so cold that their water bottles froze!
At around 5.30 am, they reached Stellar Point, which is the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. At this point, the sun broke over the horizon, gradually filling everything around them in a warm, orange glow and lighting up Tanzania.
With the worst of the climb behind them, they continue for a further hour before finally reaching the summit.
James’ team took on this challenge to raise money for three fantastic charities:
The team’s fundraising page is still open. Click here if you’d like to make a donation to these fantastic causes.