Cathryn Fewster, Care Manager with Caremark (Barnsley) has set her sights on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
Cathryn has decided to take on this amazing challenge principally because she is passionate about raising awareness of this illness and supporting the shortfall in funding for research into dementia.
“A lot of the people we care for are diagnosed with dementia and others live with undiagnosed cognitive impairments. I think this illness is heart breaking,” said Cathryn. “Imagine how frightened you feel when you are losing your memory and nothing around you looks familiar. It is also very hard for family members who physically have their loved ones there - just not as they once were.” she concluded.
Cathryn is passionate about helping others and said: ''Research is underfunded for this disease and the support this organisation provides to people is invaluable''.
Her decision to take on this challenge is even more commendable because Cathryn has never climbed a mountain before. In fact you are more likely to find her in high heels than walking boots!
She will be travelling to Africa on her own and has not yet met the others with whom she will be making the climb either – all rather daunting.
The challenge itself is tough with seven full days of trekking on steep and rocky terrain at altitude. The lower slopes can be wet and muddy, while higher up, barren and arid. The route passes through thick forest and scree en route to Uhuru Peak, the highest point.
This is a challenging trek at altitude, climbing one of the most impressive and well-known mountains in the world.
The clock is now ticking for Cathryn to build up her fitness and strength ready for her amazing East African challenge and she is now training hard with her adventure set for January 2016.
She said ''I am moving outside of my comfort zone for an amazing charity but I am determined to succeed!”
Caremark (Barnsley) provide care and support for people within the county who wish to remain living safely and independently at home. People of all ages, abilities and ethnicities are supported by the Barnsley home care provider, enabling them to have a better quality of life at home, where they want to be.
For more information on Caremark, find their listing here
