Restored - Ending Violence Against Women

Mandy Marshall / 13:41 / 24 Jan 12

Making Memories

‘You’re the most determined woman I’ve met’ complemented Naiman, the head guide from the African Walking Company who was leading us up the mountain. I was taking yet another ‘catching my breath’ break on the long haul to the top on the final ascent day. I was struggling with breathing on top of the altitude sickness which had been my constant companion for the last 3 days.

Achieving a dream

Climbing Kilimanjaro had been my dream for over 20 years. Finally I was achieving my dream. It was very different to how I had imagined it to be. In my dream I was walking happily to the top with a big smile on my face, laughing and joking along the way in the brilliant sunshine. Well one thing was right about my dream, the sun was shining. That was about it. I felt nauseous, exhausted, legs like lead weights, no laughing (I didn’t have the breath!); gasping for air, thinking will I ever reach the summit.

How many staff does it take to get you to the top?

We had started four days earlier on the Rongai route, climbing slowly & steadily supported by an amazing bunch of guides and porters. 29 staff got 8 of us to the top. Porters carrying our luggage, their own luggage, kitchen equipment and toilet. The ‘poo porter’ had a tough job yet he always managed to locate the loo with a great view of the mountain. Chef Johnson amazed us with his culinary skills at altitude, providing French toast at a number of points along the way. Head guide Naiman was supported by assistant guides Reuben, Joseph and Robinson.

The final ascent

So here we were on the final day. The ascent up to Uhuru peak started at midnight on Friday13th/Sat14th Jan. I quickly fell behind the others as per usual. I was finding it difficult to breathe so was taking it very slowly. Step by step we gradually climbed upwards. At point 3 on the mountain, at over 5,000m I stopped and just cried and cried. I was exhausted. This was the most physically challenging thing I had done in my life. It was sheer determination and will power that kept me moving on.

Sun rose. The warmth on my face was welcome refreshment from the cold night air. It was still below freezing but daylight brought a renewed fervour to reach the summit. Gilman’s point at last! Kendal mint cake as a reward – it’s the small things in life. A brief stop for photo’s before we head off to Uhuru peak. The crater rim was icy. About 300m from Uhuru I stopped. After 9 hours of climbing I had nothing left in my legs. Naiman asked me what was wrong. ‘Is it your asthma?’, ‘No’ I replied, ‘It’s my legs. I have to get down.’ ‘No-one gives up at this point!’ came his firm reply. Two gel bars later for energy & we were on our way again.

9:15am – Uhuru Peak. I had made it to the top of Africa.

To be honest I’d hoped I would have felt better. The exhilaration of reaching the top, the achievement of a dream, a goal of a lifetime. But no. I was exhausted, felt physically sick, just wanting to fall asleep. After a few photo’s and a bit of filming (watch out for the video coming soon), we were heading down again, this time at speed.

Disaster strikes!

Going down is easy right. Or so I thought. I had forgotten about the altitude. I wasn’t moving fast enough. Naiman started to walk fast with me. We hit ice, I panicked, and that, coupled with not being able to catch my breath, meant I had an asthma attack. I was gasping for breath. Naiman and Reuben (assistant guide) sprang into action. Suddenly I was sat in the snow with an oxygen mask on my face. Fortunately the African Walking Company is one of the few organisations that carry oxygen with them & I needed it. This was my first full asthma attack in my life. I think it’s safe to say it wasn’t the best place to get one. Naiman & Reuben piggy-backed me to the descent point, Gilman’s point. With a guide either side of me I was whisked rapidly down the mountain on the scree slopes. It was one of those strange, surreal moments in life, were I was thrilled at being able to slide down a mountain via the scree slopes but also thinking ‘I can’t breathe!’

Stretcher for Ms Marshall!

At the bottom I was laid in my tent whilst a stretcher was organised. Three porters, the chef and head guide, ran me down the mountain on a stretcher to a hut at 3,700m. I spent overnight in the hut, accompanied by oxygen (& Ben, my husband, who really appreciated not staying in a tent for a night). The next day was the thank you and celebration ceremony. I was chosen to say a few words on behalf of our group. I was still finding it hard to walk and talk at the same time. Afterwards I was whisked down the mountain on a stretcher again. Naiman was not taking the risk of me walking another inch. He escorted me all the way down.

Lifesavers

So I did what I set out to do. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. I simply didn’t make it down unaided. I have learnt that I’m best to stay at low altitudes. I am very grateful for the skill, dedication and experience of the guides, especially head guide, Naiman, for rescuing me.

Memory made

I think I can safely say I did Kilimanjaro in style. Ben and I wanted to make a memory that would last a lifetime. We certainly did that!

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