Three women from Frome have just returned from a two-week trip to Tanzania where they scaled the heights of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 19,000 feet.
Only twenty-seven per cent of those who attempt the climb succeed and Dawn Prior, Anne Porter, and Katherine Dowling were part of a group of 12 raising money for local charity Sporting Family Change, who all succeeded in completing the task.
The climb was especially challenging for Dawn Prior, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently receiving ongoing chemotherapy. Dawn said, “Although doctors were surprised that I would have the energy and application to try the task, they did not step in my way and I’m absolutely delighted that I did it.
“It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Five days of walking up mountain scree slopes, sleeping in a tent, no proper toilets, freezing cold conditions and then another two-day walk down. I have never been so tired and exhausted in my life.”
All three women paid tributes to their Tanzanian mountain guides. Anne said, “They were absolutely amazing and without their help and encouragement, we would never have achieved our dream.”
Whilst in Tanzania the team visited local schools, donated school equipment and attended classes and lessons at junior schools.
Katherine said, “You have to realise that these children have very little and it is a humbling experience to be amongst them and watch them trying to learn and improve their lives.”
To date they have raised approximately £7,000, with ten per cent coming from donations from friends at Frome Running Club. They are hoping that in total, the whole event will raise near to £15,000 for the charity.
You can donate until 1st July by visiting https://localgiving.org/fundraising/dawnprior
