Em's Firsthand summary part 1!

I always get nervous before flying ... not because of the flight itself but because of all the things to check before you actually get on the plane! So you can imagine how I was feeling having booked flights not just for myself but also for 12 others too!  That said, with the exception of Sian forgetting her passport (her dad had to drive back with it!) and Alex getting held up for 40 minutes to be searched because he had forgotten to take his travel wash out of his hand luggage... everything went to plan! Everyone arrived at Heathrow in plenty of time on the 12th - this being the first time we actually managed to get the whole team together at the same time!  Flights were on time, food could have been worse and despite out connection flights in Doha and hour stopover in Dar es Salaam, we got all our luggage at Kilimanjaro International (missing luggage would have been a nightmare on this trip!).

As promised, after getting our entry visas, our guide Methley Swai met us at the airport with smiles and handshakes all round.  Everyone was so excited because after months and months of research, planning, training and fundraising, we were actually there in Africa!!  We stayed at Kaliwa lodge for the first two nights - it is a lovely!  I admit I was a tad worried when the mini bus driver turned down a narrow dirt track just off the route to the Machame gate entrance, but behind the big security gates at the end we found ourselves in our own private, clean rooms with a perfect view of the top of the mountain we were to tackle over the next week!  We allowed ourselves one refreshing Kilimanjaro Premium lager whilst Methley went over some of the details for the trip and told us how to prepare our things.

Wednesday 14th - rather than making the most of our 'day off' we opted to take a walking tour of the village...  The valley next to Kaliwa Lodge is phenomenal with a lovely little waterfall and river with a mini island at the bottom = first proper team photo!  We saw a church and went on to the local primary school; Uduru Primary, Moshi.  Kelly had brought 2 footballs with her and Carl had a bag of pens and pencils to give away so our village guide Victor asked the headteacher if he minded us giving them out.  The reception we got was unforgettable!  All the children crowded around us smiling, 'hi-5'ing and saying 'Jambo' (Hello) it was very emotional and we could understand why so many people find this kind of experience life-changing - if only we could take British school children over there to see how much they take for granted...

First day of our trek!! - leaving the lodge would have been a lot harder if we had thought about the fact that it was our last night in a real bed and with a proper toilet, but we were clearly too excited to think about that! The 4x4 trip to the gate for registration and then on to our starting point was an experience and a half; people pay good money for off-roading in the UK!  Our first trek was much steeper than anticipated (no easing us in gently then!) but the guides led a good slow, steady pace so everyone managed ok.  Everyone that is, except for Sian's porter who took a good half hour longer than everyone else to get to camp!! Methley explained that he was new and that all the crew carry the same weight so although he sent a couple of guys back to help him out, in future he would just have to get on with it!  We had 7 small tents and one large 'dining tent' but the highlight for me was the portable toilet that they brought for the ladies to use in camp!!  That said we did 'rough it' a few times throughout the week and relieve ourselves al fresco.

Methley assured us that day 2 would be less steep than the first day... I would have to disagree! We didn't have lunch until 4pm so everyone was very hungry and very tired.  It was tough going (didn't even stop for snacks!) but morale was still high with plenty of jokes being told and film quotes being repeated/guessed.  The hardest thing was looking up to spot porters or trekkers way up on a ridge in the distance and being told that was where we were heading!  That said, we always cheered up when we looked back and saw the view and just how far we had come!  A few people started to get headaches today but we didn't know if it was due to altitude, side-effects from tablets they were taking or lack of regular meals but most settled after lunch and a cup of tea.  The sun seems to set really quickly (and the temperature drops just as fast!) but we caught some amazing views of the summit!! No matter how tired. achy or hungry we felt, seeing our goal that much clearer and closer at the end of the day boosted everyone's spirits....

Homeward Bound :)

The group are on their way home and very much looking forward to home comforts. I think the realisation of what they have achieved has truly hit home..

While the group have been away it has really struck a cord with me on how much support there has been with donations and general emails on how the group is getting along and eagerly awaiting updates. I am sure when they all get home massive thanks will be sent out to all these people.

The group have done incredibly well and Tom would be so proud of the what the team have achieved and I know he would have been exceptionally happy that it was completed ahead of time, always one to beat a challenge or a target!!

From my point of view, it has made me realise that with great family and friends absolutely anything can be conquered and I feel incredibly lucky to have such a great group of friends. My only regret , is that Tom is not here to experience this epic journey we have all been on.

The group have so much to be proud of and with over £13,000 raised for The Royal Marines Charitable Trust it is truly an inspiration.

I wish you all a safe journey home and look forward to the updates on the blog from the guys who were away!

Thank you to everyone who has been in touch , wished the guys well , donated and been a great support to everyone.

Get back to ENGLAND :)

Becky Lancelles ( 23/08/2013)

Last day in Tanzania - https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/nodirection

Yesterday the team arrived at Mount Meru Game Lodge after being treated to lunch by Methley who has looked after them all during their trip. Speaking to them all yesterday they are so happy to have completed it as a group but the consensus is very much that of “never again” Emylie said that the team really have pulled together and been amazing and everyone helped each other out. The experience has been such a memorable one however has been the hardest thing that any of them have had to do  but no one gave up and all are very happy to be at camp and now raring to get home to family and friends and two little boys who are very excited to see mummy!

 

Well done guys , we are all so proud of you and the messages of support and donations have been amazing. We are organising a ball in October to raise more money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust and to celebrate what the team have achieved. If you have any spare money to put towards this great cause then please follow the link below. Raise a glass in form of a donation for Tom and Emylie as a congratulations on this momentous achievement.

 

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/nodirection

 

Safe trip home x

 

Becky

This day in history - August 20th 2013 - THEY MADE IT!!!

August 20th 2013

1741 - Alaska was discovered by Danish navigator

1955 - A US air force pilot flew to an altitude of 40,000 feet

1993 - Colin Jackson runs world record in 100 m ( that's for the sporting guys on the mountain)

2000 - Tiger Woods wins the PGA championship becoming the first players since 1953 to win three majors in one year

2013 -. EMYLIE JENNINGS, KELLY RAMDHARRY,HELEN PIKE,SAM SYKES,GARY HARDY,JOE WILKINSON,CARL GIBBS,JOHN COFFEY,SIAN WOODLAND,OLLY JENNINGS,ALEX PECK,HYWEL JONES AND CHRIS REES - reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in memory of Tom Jennings and Paul Woodland both of the Royal Marines who sadly died in 2011 and 2012.



We heard that the team made it to the top at lunchtime today and all so happy and proud at what they have achieved. It has been without doubt the hardest thing many of them have had to do and all are exhausted. They have made it to camp and full descent to the lodge starts tomorrow.

Well done to everyone, I have had many emails from people waiting to hear and am sure the guys will send everyone photos when they have signal!

Speaking to Renia last night, Tom is in her thoughts every day and is so happy that this has been put together by Emylie to remember Tom and a trip he did some 11 years ago.

Well done guys and hope you all celebrate with a beer tomorrow.

Congratulations

Becky Lancelles xxx

A Day EARLY !! Thanks Laura Jones for the update!

Great news!! No pressure to the team as they are now out of mobile contact so can't see that but we have heard this evening ( via Laura Jones) that the team are expecting to reach the summit tomorrow afternoon which is a whole day sooner than expected!!!  The whole team are together and doing really well and in very good spirits!!

I have attached some pictures of what they can be viewing tomorrow afternoon. I have to say now we can be jealous. Everyone is so excited to have them back to hear the stories and get planning for the ball in October. Please all spread the word so that we can raise more money and thank the people we need to thank for all their help since 2011 and raise more money for the Royal Marines Association so they can help more famillies and friends that go through similar circumstances.

Well done guys keep going and take pictures!!!

The last two days have been a real test to the team but always been incredibly rewarding and challenging as the views have been spectacular.  The last few days they have built up large altitude and slowing be acclimatising to the massive changes in weather with some being effected by headaches and sickness.  

 

Day 3 was a wonderful day with breath-taking views of the cathedrals and the views of Kibo was fascinating for everyone. The weather has changed dramatically and is absolutely freezing which is really hard for the group.

 

Yesterday ( Day 4) the summit is very much within reach and they can see the end in sight with the next two days being the pinnacle of the trip. The mood around camp is great with lots of banter and great humour all around. With many early nights tomorrow will seem like luxury as they have a morning at camp before they leave the camp in the evening tomorrow  night to reach the summit. The crew will have a full 20 minutes at the top of the summit with the sun rising below them to take on board the full sense of achievement and sense of striving to do something in memory of a dear friend. Tom loved Africa and had many stories of how much he loved the country and how walking Kilimanjaro was one of the best experiences he had, I am glad that Emylie, Sian and dear friends are able to share this together.

 

While they have been away lots of people have been in touch to hear how they have been getting along and even better been donating which is just so fantastic.

 

I have updated some pictures of the onesies that we have got together in memory of Tom with all proceeds going to the charity, The Royal Marines Association,  and I know plans of the of the guys trying to put these outfits on at the top which we will watch this space as it is absolutely freezing.

 

We are all looking forward to having everyone back, after spending the weekend with the group who didn’t go to Kilimanjaro it is made glaring obvious how close we have all come since the sad days in December 2011 and truly have friends for life. We will keep you updated of the summit. Best foot forward guys J

Becky ( 19/08/2013)