Kilimanjaro awaits Maltese team

The Kilimanjaro Challenge team left Malta yesterday for Tanzania, where they will attempt to scale Africa's highest peak in aid of charity.

The 14 participants, whose ages range from 20 to 45, will start the climb tomorrow and plan to reach the summit of the Kilimanjaro at 5,892 metres above sea level on Sunday.

The funds raised will go towards the building of an orphanage for babies and children whose parents have died of AIDS in Nyamonge, Kenya.

Expedition leader Josef Grech said prior to departure so far the group had raised €45,000 out of their targeted €65,000. However, they intended to keep collecting funds until the end of October or November.

The team members have been training hard for months, meeting three or four times a week for long treks on different terrain. They have been visiting a centre in Mosta specialised in altitude training for the last month and, as in previous years, went on an expedition to Mount Etna in June.

However, they have still not experienced the extreme weather conditions prevalent on the Kilimanjaro, besides there being the possibility of developing health problems such as hypothermia, frost bites and altitude sickness.

"We're excited and a bit fearful ," said Fabrizio Valente, 24.

"It's the fear of the unknown," continued Denise Micallef, 27.

For Carmel Hili, turning 44 tomorrow, it is the second time in a row he's undertaking this feat. "My first experience gave me a lot of satisfaction. It was a big test for me, it put me under great stress, both physically and psychologically, and it pushed me to the limit."

Although he has been there already, he does not know what to expect in terms of climatic conditions. He said two years ago the team encountered strong winds and last year it rained all the time.

However, he insisted, it was worth the effort because, "besides the charitable part, the peace one feels on the mountain is incredible when nature's beauty is at its best".

Martina Calleja, 20, is the youngest of the group. The preparations involved were already a big challenge for her. She is still a student and besides finding the time to train and take part in fund-raising events, she had to get a part-time job to finance her equipment, vaccinations, flights and the fees involved for the climb, which include permission fees, guides and food. The teamwork was another aspect she had to get used to.

"Sometimes, while training, I would say to myself: What am I doing all this for? But then I would remember our mission and the poor children I would be helping and that would be enough to encourage me to go on. And I intend to enjoy this coming week as much as I can."

Despite being an adventurous person with a love for diving, camping and other outdoor activities, it will be Mr Grech's first such experience. And being the expedition leader, he has to carry more weight on his shoulders.

"The team members turn to me whenever they have questions to ask and when faced with difficulties. I'm their reference point. And I have to keep my composure no matter what happens," said Mr Grech. "But, overall, I'm sure it will be a beautiful experience and I can't wait till we land in Africa."

Anyone who wants to help the climbers reach their goal can donate money to the cause by sending text messages to the following numbers: 5061 7375 for €2.99, 5061 8915 for €6.99 and 5061 9219 for €11.65.

Direct deposits can also be made to HSBC's Malta Kilimanjaro Challenge account number 044118230050 or Bank of Valletta's account number 40017993267.

www.kilichallenge.com