This time in 2 weeks, I’ll (hopefully) be standing at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. At 5895 meters, it’s the highest point in Africa—and it’s where I’ll find myself braving temperatures well below freezing, possibly with snow falling, in the heart of Africa.
It’s a surreal thought. In just a few days, I’ll arrive in Moshi, the gateway town to Kilimanjaro. There, I’ll spend a couple of days acclimatizing, preparing my body and mind for the thin air and grueling trek ahead. The Marangu Route—also known as the “Coca-Cola Route”—will be my path to the summit. While it’s considered one of the “easier” routes, don’t be fooled; the challenge is real. The key to success is acclimatization, pacing, and sheer determination.
But this climb isn’t just for me. I’m doing it to raise awareness of skin cancer and to raise funds for Melanoma UK. As someone who has lived with melanoma for over a decade, this cause is deeply personal. My journey with skin cancer has taken me through surgeries, treatments, and ongoing challenges, but it’s also fueled my passion for raising awareness about the dangers of UV radiation.
The timing of this climb is especially poignant. Summit day coincides with Tanzania’s Independence Day on December 9—a day of celebration and triumph.
Reaching Uhuru Peak on such a significant day feels symbolic of the resilience and perseverance it takes to overcome obstacles, whether they’re personal battles or a towering mountain like Kilimanjaro.
The summit push itself will begin at midnight, under a sky filled with stars. It will be cold—well below zero—and each step will feel harder than the last as the altitude takes its toll. But the thought of reaching the top, seeing the sunrise over the African continent, and knowing I’ve done this for a cause so close to my heart will make every freezing step worthwhile.
Snow. On a mountain. In Africa. It’s a reminder that Kilimanjaro is full of surprises, and it mirrors life’s unpredictable journey. From battling melanoma to wingwalking, and now climbing Kilimanjaro for the second time, I’ve learned to embrace the challenges and find joy in the journey.
If you’d like to support my climb and help Melanoma UK, every donation makes a difference. Together, we can raise awareness, support those affected by skin cancer, and work towards prevention.
So, here’s to 2 weeks from now—when I’ll stand at the top of Africa, freezing but fulfilled, thinking of the lives we’re impacting together.
Stay tuned, and wish me luck!
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Please, please make my efforts worthwhile for others that will undoubtedly, one day, get that awful gut wrenching diagnosis – just like me.
Listen to an interview I had with BBC Radio Lancashire to explain more about why.
