Marlene’s dream not shattered
Even though Marlene Wilson, a blind 69-year-old breast cancer survivor from Alberton’s dream to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro didn’t materialise, she still raised funds for Breast Health and raised awareness of breast cancer.
ALBERTON- Even though Marlene Wilson, a blind 69-year-old breast cancer survivor from Alberton’s dream to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro didn’t materialise, she still raised funds for Breast Health and raised awareness about breast cancer.
Marlene and the rest of the Café Enrista team started their ascend from Moshi base camp on October 23 before climbing to Forest camp at 2 700 meters on day two. On day three they reached Shira plateau at 3 800 meters and on day four they stopped at camp Barranco at 3 900 meters.
The next day Marlene did very well but at 5 000 meters she went into a severe state of hypoxia. Her oxygen saturation was 50 at which stage she was given oxygen. After a few more steps her level dropped to 47 and as a result the guide rushed her down to the base camp.
Marlene’s goddaughter, Jolene Letley who was her guide every step of the way, made it to the summit after pushing through the symptoms of her milder altitude sickness. It was a very tough climb for everyone as the Machame route is the second toughest route on the mountain.
Everyone from Pink Peaks, a group of breast cancer survivors, Café Enrista, her friends, family and Caxton South salute Marlene for her amazing effort.
Help Marlene and all the climbers raise funds by donating to the Breast Health foundation. The account details are: Breast Health, Nedbank, account number 1933 176 741, Sandown branchcode 193 305. Use PPK Marlene as the reference and remember that it is tax deductible.
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