Couple summit Mount Kilimanjaro for charity

Scaling the heights of success held true for Farrarmere residents and entrepreneurs Nolan and Seema Pillay as they recently embarked on the journey of a lifetime by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

The pair completed the feat in a quest to raise awareness and funding for girls who are in need of sanitary pads, but cannot afford the basic necessities as part of the Trek-4-Mandela expedition, in partnership with Imbumba Foundation (organising committee), in July.

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The trek to the top of the mountain began on July 14 at midday and ended on July 18 (Mandela Day) at 10.30am.

In a previous article reported by the City Times, Nolan and Seema, with a third member of who later withdrew from the climb, were on a mission to raise R600 000 for their initiative, which they were unable to reach.

“The cost of the trip itself was R170 000, of which R160 000 was self-funded,” they explained.

Conquering a height of 5 895m above sea level, however, was no easy feat as told by the couple.

“It was a very different experience,” said Seema.

“The oxygen levels drop as you climb higher.

“You have to move slowly so your body can adjust to the climate.

“It’s important to follow the rules as explained by your expedition leader, which makes the journey easier.

“You trek at a snail’s pace, the natives call it ‘pole pole’, which is Swahili for ‘walk slowly’.”

Seema explained she had difficulty breathing at the summit of the mountain and had to be helped back down the mountain.

For Nolan, the first day of the trek saw him fall and injure himself, but he was determined to achieve his goal.

“During the fall I hit my head, shoulder and knee and it put me in a daze,” he said.

“Despite the fall though, I was determined to keep going.

“I kept telling myself there is no turning back, so I had to forget the pain and keep moving.”

Describing the conditions, the pair said ice blocks and cold winds were consistent.

“You’re required to drink lots of liquids, seven litres of water per day with two litres before bed, as the more water you have, the more oxygen is in your bloodstream,” they said.

“Porters were also there to help with the climb and carried our bags as we carried shoulder bags.

“Only pit-toilets are available during the 70km journey up and down the mountain.

“On the last day, we had to dig deep within ourselves to find the strength to carry on.

“We would like to thank the Imbumba Foundation for their support and our expedition leader, Sibusiso Vilane.”

Part of the cost paid to summit the mountain will be donated to a school of the couple’s choice for sanitary pads.