Sep 25 2012: Westbourne pupils hit the heights on Kilimanjaro challenge
AS school trips go it has to be one of the most adventurous and challenging…an attempt to reach the summit of the highest peak in Africa!
But after two years of planning, six months of practice walks in the Peak District, a weekend in Snowdonia, a night hike on Kinder Scout, an attempt at the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and even a Boot Camp in Endcliffe Park, pupils from Sheffield’s Westbourne School proved that they really did have the Right Stuff to conquer the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.
Over eight days on the legendary mountain, 19 students, headed by teacher Jon Lawrie, headmaster John Hicks and expedition leader Alex Ekins – of Outlook Expeditions - used the months of practice and a lot of determination to ascend the grueling 5,895 metres of the continent’s greatest peak.
“Words cannot describe how tough the summit walk is,” said Jon. “It is cold, you have five layers on, and you're walking throughout the night.
“With your head torch on, all you see is a procession of light moving very slowly up a hill, and you don't know where the top is. You just have to keep going!
“There were times on the summit walk that I thought people would have to come down - but their determination was astounding, they were going to the top no matter what!”
Having achieved their goal, the students then enjoyed a two-day safari in the Tarangire National Park.
The youngsters also visited a Tanzanian school, where they donated boots to pupils as part of the Sheffield FC Boots for Africa campaign, along with stationery, clothes and toys.
“Our pupils should be very proud of what they have achieved,” said Jon.
“They have set the bar now for adventure at Westbourne - I'm not sure how we are going to top this!”
