A Burnham-On-Sea man who lost over 15 stone in 15 months has completed an incredible week-long climb up to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported last year how Keith Mitchell, from Winchester Road, had twice won a National Slimathon competition in recognition of his efforts in slimming from 33 stone to 15 stone.
Keith has this week returned after completing his once-in-a-lifetime climb to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, which sits 5,895 metres high on the northern border of Tanzania overlooking Kenya.
Keith told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I walked 62km over seven days, starting at 1,800 metres and reaching Stella Point at the roof of Africa. It was an unforgettable adventure that I would never have dreamt I could complete two years ago when I was 33 stone.”
“It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. The temperatures were sweltering hot in the daytime and down to minus 15 centigrade at night.”
“The altitude sickness badly affected me, giving me double vision, dizzy spells and headaches, but I wouldn’t let that stop me.”
“Reaching Stella Point as the sun broke was a experience I will never forget,” he said. “I am now enjoying some rest with my family before I plan another challenge to take on.”
Keith, who raised £3,500 for SCOPE, the charity that helps people with cerabal palsey, was part of a group of 48 people from the UK completing the walk. In total, they raised a huge £162,000.
“I would like to thank all those that have supported me in this journey, including my wife Jane and children Angelina and Eleana, and to all the wonderful people who sponsored me to do the challenge.”
Keith’s online fundraising web page is still open here for donations.
