BLC member, Sue, climbs Kilimanjaro

Well done, Sue, from everyone here at BLC!

65-Year-old Burnley Leisure & Culture member, Susan Hughes – who regularly attends our group exercise classes – recently conquered the incredible challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We were so impressed with Sue’s achievement that we wanted to share her story with you, in her own words…

“It all began with those fateful words, following three pints of cider – ‘Does anyone fancy Kilimanjaro?’ Hours of research later, a decision was made to tackle the Lemosho Route – 43 miles and an elevation gain of about 17,000 feet – and the holiday was booked in October 2023. However, the one thing that had become increasingly obvious was that I was nowhere near fit enough and had to up my game from the occasional swim and Up and Active classes.

“After trying a few different classes, I settled into a weekly regime that worked for me (2 x BodyAttack, 3 x BodyPump, 1 x Spin, 1 x HIIT, and 1 x BodyBalance class, plus the occasional swim!), which meant that I could exercise in the morning and have the rest of the day and weekends free to fit in some walks and do the boring stuff. Having had two knee replacements, I am reluctant to walk in damp conditions because of a fear of slipping, so, given the weather this summer, I didn’t get anywhere near enough walking done and was relying on the fitness I had built up during the exercise classes.

“The adventure began on 23rd August with a 32-hour journey, starting with the X43 into Manchester, to our hotel in Moshi, Tanzania; we were immediately introduced to our guides and the next day the trek began. What a fantastic approach to the mountain, through rain forest where you could hear monkeys howling in the trees and amazing birdsong; to heathland, where the heather grows 6 feet tall, and into alpine desert; passing through a mini oasis fed by glacial melt water, a lava tower, and scaling the infamous Baranco wall (a good Lakeland style scramble at altitude).

“The summit bid started at 10.30pm on Friday 30th August and we ascended during the night, arriving at Stella Point on the summit ridge to watch the sun rise and reveal a frozen crater, wind whipped snow and glaciers. It was freezing cold, with a strong wind, so you couldn’t linger, and it was a quick summit photo and start the descent down a steep scree gully. From tent to tent, with 4,010 feet of ascent and descent, it took just over 13 hours.

“You don’t conquer a mountain; she allows your passage, if she is feeling nice. People who are not adequately prepared pay the price very quickly! Fortunately, with the assistance of the great team of instructors at BLC, I was prepared for this amazing adventure and I cannot thank them enough!”

BLC member conquers Kilimanjaro

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