A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB
JESSICA Clark admits she’s not all that big on mountains.
But the student from Hadfield is about to climb one with quite a bite.
The 5,895 metre Mount Kilimanjaro - to hopefully raise £2,500 for the Meningitis Research Foundation.
So far, 19-year-old Jessica hasn’t done too much training.
Even though the Tanzanian peak is the tallest free standing mountain in the world.
She told the Chronicle: “I have got until September - so there’s plenty of time.
“I am doing exams at the moment, so I will start when I have finished them.”
There’s a special reason why Jessica, currently studying history of art at Warwick University, is making the six day trek.
Her sister Ciara, 23, had meningitis as a teenager.
“Thankfully she recovered,” said the former St Philip Howard High School pupil Jessica. “But that is not the case for many people.
“When I heard about the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro I thought it sounded like an amazing experience and one I could not miss out on.
“The fact that I am raising money for MRF whose main aims are to prevent meningitis and septicaemia as well as improve survival rates and outcomes, is an added bonus.”
The picturesque Kibo snow capped peak, is one of the most recognisable sights in the work. But getting there for Jessica won’t be a walk in the sun.
“It will be quite cold and we will also be combating altitude,” she said.
The trek is run by Student Adventures who create tailor made adventures for students.
Jessica is looking for sponsors to help her and her chosen charity. You can help by visiting the site www.justgiving.com/Jessica-Clark1>.
Susie Bailey, fundraising officer at MRF, said: “We are so grateful to Jessica.
“Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases that can leave a baby, child, or adult, fighting for their life within hours of the first symptoms.
“As well as helping to raise much-needed funds for our work to fight meningitis, they have also helped raise awareness of this devastating disease.”
Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone helpline - 080 8800 3344 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the public and health professionals.
