Inspiration

Edward’s Kilimanjaro Challenge adventure

March 15, 2019

Fundraising legend and serial challenger, Edward, shares the highlights from his adventures on the Kilimanjaro Challenge and what motivates him to keep on taking on new challenges.

Why did you choose to join the Kilimanjaro Challenge?

For many years I had my heart set on Kilimanjaro and I always wanted to summit a big mountain that doesn’t require technical skills. There was no better option than Mt Kilimanjaro. I was also very keen to visit Tanzania and stand on top of the highest free standing mountain in the world @ 5,895mASL – that’s pretty big. Once I planned in my head and I also found out that one of my trek mates from Everest Base Camp 2017 (Peter Lavvaf) was going for it, I was on a mission and I had a new purpose. The rest was just logistics and preparation. Of course the perfect partner in crime was once again Charity Challenge.

News

Press Release – CHARITY CHALLENGE LAUNCHES NEW KILIMANJARO ROUTE

March 12, 2019

Fundraising Travel Company Challenges Adventurers with a New Way to Conquer Africa’s Mightiest Mountain

Fundraising tour operator, Charity Challenge has launched a thrilling new way for adventurers to conquer Africa’s highest peak, crossing its remote Northern Icefields. The new Kilimanjaro North Face Climb itinerary from Charity Challenge takes adventurers up the virtually untouched north flank of the mountain, allowing them to reach the summit in daylight, something that the traditional Kili climbs have not been able to do. The route begins with a trek through a beautiful rainforest, before taking adventurers to the remote Northern Icefields and across the Reusch Crater, an area that no other Kilimanjaro itinerary touches.

Information

“Pole, pole.” That’s the way to climb Kilimanjaro

March 8, 2019

Kilimanjaro. At a height of 5895m, it presents a great challenge to all before her. I was fortunate enough to witness a spectacular sunrise over her summit one cold morning in March 2017, as the medic and crew member for a Charity Challenge team.

For those of you thinking about taking on the summit challenge, go for it! Preparation will be key before you go and once you get there, our team will support you to reach your goal.
Most people are worried about their level of fitness and how to prepare for the trek. Others are concerned about altitude and how they might cope if they haven’t been mountaineering before. I learned more about altitude medicine from the Tanzanian support team than I had ever understood before and will share some of that information with you in this blog. Continue Reading…

Information

How to be a Pole Master…

February 20, 2019

Over the years walking poles have obtained a bit of an unfair reputation as ‘uncool and unnecessary’, something that ‘old’ people used. Today, however they have proven their worth and are used by young and old alike! By helping to take stress off joints and prevent injury whilst trekking these lightweight lovelies are an essential and helpful bit of kit.

We’ve asked our friends at Outdoor Hire about the benefits and some helpful hints on the correct way to work your poles!

WHY USE POLES?

We often get asked whether it’s worth taking walking poles on a trekking trip; the key benefits to using poles whilst trekking are:

Support and stability on uneven ground, especially with a backpack which may cause in-balance. This reduces the risk of slips, trips, twists and falls.

Reduced effort as the burden of weight is spread, focusing less on the knee and hip joints and muscles. This is a considerable help when you’re tired and descending from a summit.

Reduced possibility of strain injury as the poles encourage good posture. Continue Reading…

Destination

Trekking the old Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Charity Challenge

February 14, 2019

Photographer and blogger extraordinaire, Philipp Ammon, recently completed the Trek to Machu Picchu challenge. He joined the first Charity Challenge expedition to trek the Ancascocha Trail. Read on to find out about this off-the-beaten-track hike through the incredible Andes mountains, on parts of the original Inca trail.

Imagination is a funny thing – It can take us to the highest heights and wildest places; but if we really put our minds to it, we are also exceptionally creative at forming reasons why we can’t or shouldn’t live our dreams. The excuses become boundless.

You certainly don’t have to twist my arm to get me on an adventure trek. Add a far-away destination into the mix and I’ll practically be rearing to go. I love the feel of the trail under my feet; the humbling size of mountains all around; the wonder of zipping open my tent door to crisp morning air and another day of adventure. We all have our demons, however, and for me one of those is planning trips… Let’s just say that logistics aren’t my strong hand, and often, the daunting prospect of organisation can put my dreams on hold indefinitely. Coordinating an adventure trek on another continent, away from it all takes a lot of time and energy. Along with trying to run a photography business, those are ingredients that seem to be all too scarce these days. Continue Reading…

Inspiration

Lorraine takes on RSPCA Everest challenge

February 4, 2019

After four years of fundraising for the RSPCA, the RSPCA Everest Challenge will be Lorraine’s biggest challenge yet.

Twelve years ago, when Lorraine Carey was suffering from a second prolapsed disc and had to undergo painful spinal surgery, the idea of trekking to Everest Base Camp would have seemed impossible.

The 47-year-old first suffered from a slipped disc 20 years ago and underwent spinal surgery. Then, 12 years ago she suffered from a second, severe prolapsed disc which left her bed bound and in agonising pain for six months. When she finally recovered, after two spinal surgeries, she had a renewed zest for life. Lorraine decided to spend a year taking on various physical challenges and fundraising for the RSPCA.

Lorraine said: “At that point, I just wanted my life back. After I recovered and regained my confidence, I wanted to grab every opportunity and make the most out of life.”

One year turned into five, and after a series of runs and walks, a skydive, a 5k open water swim, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Lake District 10 Peaks, the Welsh 12 Peaks, Tough Mudder, half and full marathons and trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Lorraine has now pledged to take on her final and most challenging trek to date; the RSPCA Everest Challenge. Continue Reading…