1. First of all, we'd love to know a bit more about yourselves, and how you're feeling about embarking on this mission
Diana and Mantas: We have always been drawn to the beauty of mountains, having previously explored the Tatra Mountains and the Alps. Whenever we can, we escape the hustle and bustle of city life for mountaineering adventures in Wales or the breath-taking Peak District.
Jurate: I have been a keen hiker for years and organise regular group trips to Wales and around the most picturesque places in England (Scotland is on my ‘to do’ list!). The countryside is where I feel more ‘me’.
Steve: Although I have always been a keen (if not always successful!) sportsman, I am far more comfortable in the city than the great outdoors. That said, I have been initiated into the hiking community and have made it up Snowdon. This is still relatively new to me, compared to the rest of the crew.
2. What made you choose Kilimanjaro specifically?
Diana and Mantas: Kilimanjaro has been on our bucket list for ages and, this year, we finally decided to go for it, and we chose to undertake this mission to support Disability Rights UK.
Jurate: Like Diana and Mantas, Kilimanjaro has been on my bucket list for a while. It is great to be taking on this challenge with good friends and my husband, in aid of a great organisation.
Steve: FOMO. It’s a once in a lifetime trip.
3. What kind of preparation have you been doing/will you have to do in anticipation of the climb?
Diana and Mantas: We began preparing for this journey at the beginning of the year, focusing on our physical health and fitness through gym training and healthy eating habits.
Jurate: Pretty much the same as Diana and Mantas. I am a keen CrossFitter.
Steve: Metcon, metcon metcon [Metabolic Conditioning, a type of CrossFit workout that combines strength and cardio conditioning]….. Plus I have been camping TWICE this year (having never tried it before!). We also live in a 21 storey apartment block – I am just off to climb some stairs….
4. Why did you decide to support Disability Rights UK?
What inspired us undertake this challenge and to support this charity is our belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves access to basic human rights and equal opportunities.
5. How do you think this experience might change you, or what you might learn from it?
This climb will certainly push us beyond our comfort zone (some more than others!), but we are excited for the opportunity to achieve a long-standing goal while also supporting an important cause.
The best line so far has come from Jurate’s company:
Every step they take up that mountain is a step toward empowering individuals with disabilities, advocating for their rights and creating a more inclusive world.
To show your support, donate to their fundraising page here. If you are inspired this and would like to help fundraise for us, be it through a mountain expedition, marathon, bake sale, or other ideas, find out more here.