14 January 2015

Hallmark Team Members To Trek Mount Kilimanjaro In Aid Of Alzheimer’s Society

Four brave Hallmark team members are taking on the challenge of a lifetime – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!

Sujjata Singh, Carol Rhind, Kirsty Thomas and Kieron Walsh are all tackling the world’s highest free-standing mountain in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. The daring foursome have raised over £20,000 between them for the charity which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We caught up with the group before they set-off and found out more about what is one of the toughest treks in the world:

How have you been preparing for the climb?

Training for this has been ongoing since I booked the challenge 14 months ago with regular trips to the gym, PT sessions and regular walks to the top of the Brecon Beacons. Recently I have added weight training to ensure I can carry the weight in the backpack daily which has proven more of a challenge when combined with long walks. I plan to train over the next 3 days and hoping to cover 50 miles in total to ensure mentally I am ready.

Kieron Walsh, Regional Director of Hallmark Care Homes

Donate to Kieron’s trek fund here

What are you most worried about?

Sharing a tent with someone who hasn’t washed and snores! Also, the height of the mountain, altitude sickness, malaria – I have not thought about these until last week when I was ticking my list of stuff to take and stumbled across; – to pack 32 minimum paracetamol tablets , 32 minimum ibuprofen tablets, malaria tablets etc. One positive which I am looking forward to is that you lose your appetite at altitude (never had any problem overeating all my life).

Sujjata Singh, General Manger at Ty Enfys Care Home in Cardiff 

Donate to Sujjata’s trek fund here

What are you most looking forward to?

In all honestly – just making it to the top! I am nervous about climbing at altitude, but really looking forward to seeing sunrise on summit day as it’s reported to be breath taking (a challenge with limited oxygen!). I’m really just looking forward to the whole experience!

Carol Rhind, General Manager at Bucklesham Grange Care Home in Ipswich

Donate to Carol’s trek fund here

What do you hope to get out of this challenge?

The main goal, I’m sure for all of us, is to raise as much money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society as we can. I know we are all passionate about their work and enabling those living with dementia to live well. Before the challenge I was the type of person to ‘nip to the shops’ in my car, I want this to be the start of a new healthier way of living for me. I now own lycra trousers and my most expensive pair of shoes are now walking boots and not a cute pair of heels! Lastly but very importantly I want a photograph of me at the top so I can brag for many years to come!

Kirsty Thomas, Lifestyle Team leader at Bucklesham Grange Care Home in Ipswich

Donate to Kirsty’s trek fund here 

We wish the best of luck to Kieron, Kirsty, Sujjata and Carol!