Scott Wakeling

‘Why did I climb Kilimanjaro?’

"I love mountains. I love the way they beat you up one minute and hug you the next. I like the side of me who surfaces when things get hard, when I'm aching and tired, and the altitude sickness banging in my head feels like the hangover to end them all, the side of me that draws strength from encouraging others to go on when all I want to do myself is quit. Sounds like a regular session of BMF doesn't it?

Why did I climb Kilimanjaro? I'd reached a point in my life where things I'd done with half a heart had begun to outnumber the occasions I'd put myself first and 'lived the dream'. And I wanted to know myself, in a way that isn't possible in the office.

When you reach the summit - and you will if you train and travel with BMF - all the good and bad times coalesce into an intense feeling of peace and achievement. To reach it is to know yourself. No mere words can conjure the sanctity of those precious thirty minutes. Maybe it was just the lack of sleep, and lingering freezing exhaustion of summit night, but I like to think it was Kilimanjaro’s magic I felt as I watched the lambent sun clear Africa's horizon.

Vanessa Harrison

‘My journey to the Roof of Africa’

My journey to the roof of Africa started with a stunning walk through the lush green terrain of the mountain lowlands, and there was a feeling of confidence among the group that stuck for the first couple of days.

The toughest day for me aside from summit night was the third day; our acclimatisation day which took us up to Lava Tower at 4,642m, before descending in altitude to camp. I was doubting my ability to make it but thanks to a pep talk from the team and the Mountain Leaders (and a few mouthfuls of jelly babies) I made it through!  

Summit night came after four long days of acclimatisation. I found it tough to breathe, as oxygen at the summit is about 50% less than found at sea level. Our BMF Mountain Leader, Jason, was a legend with his never-ending encouragment to keep going, and with the additional support of my fellow BMFers I made it to Stella Point.

It was the hardest mental and physical challenge of my life and as we made our way down from the summit, I tried to absorb what we had achieved. What I do know is that I am mentally tougher than I thought, and the support, encouragement and strength from others both who are physically alongside you but also those who are with you in spirit can help you stay strong and help you reach your goal!

I would recommend the Kilimanjaro trek to everyone. The package that BMF offers with all the extras such as briefing and training days, fitness assessments and fitness advice and most importantly, BMF Mountain Leaders on the trek, all make it great value for money.

Why not try the climb for yourself?

To find out more visit www.bmfkili.com or contact the events team on events@britmilfit.com or 020 7751 9742