Marlene is heading for the summit
Marlene Wilson, a blind 68-year-old breast cancer survivor from Alberton reached Barafu camp at 4600 meters on Mount Kilimanjaro today. This is her fifth day on the mountain and she is still making excellent progress.
ALBERTON- Marlene Wilson, a blind 68-year-old breast cancer survivor from Alberton reached Barafu camp at 4 600 meters on Mount Kilimanjaro today.
This is her fifth day on the mountain and she is still making excellent progress. A heavy storm is predicted for tomorrow but in Marlene’s case, determination wins every time! Café Enrista are the major sponsors for her climb and Marlene is part and parcel of the Café Enrista team.
Team Café Enrista’s climb started on October 23 where they acclamatised at the Moshi base camp, on day two they reached the forest camp at 2 700 meters, day three they walked to Shira plateau at 3 800 meters and on day four they stopped at camp Barranco at 3 900 meters and an optional extra day stay at Karanga to make the eight day hike.
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On day six they will hike up to Stella point and summit on Uhuru peak at 5 895 meters and on the way down they overnight at Mweka camp at 3 600 meters. Day seven they go back down to Moshi and day eight is the end of the climb.
Her goddaughter Jolene Letley, who turns 29 the same day Marlene turns 69, has walked every step of the way with Marlene as her guide.
Marlene is part of the Pink Peaks, a group of breast cancer survivors and supporters, who have made it their aim to summit the highest peak in Africa. They hope to help spread awareness about breast health and the importance of early breast cancer detection. Marlene hopes the endeavour will raise funds for the Breast Health Foundation.
Related article: Help her reach her dream
All contributions to the Breast Health foundation are tax-deductible as it is a public benefit organisation. You can support them by making a donation to: Breast Health, Nedbank, account number 1933 176 741, Sandown branchcode 193 305. Use PPK Marlene as the reference.
RECORD will provide updates on the team’s progress.
