A recent LawNet Challenge
In 2019, LawNet celebrates its 30th anniversary. One of the ways the organisation is marking the occasion is with an extra special edition of its annual walking Challenge, with an anniversary event taking on Kilimanjaro this June.
It’s Africa’s highest mountain and is a challenging peak, but it doesn’t actually require any specialist equipment, making it an ideal choice for what is set to be a remarkable 30th celebration.
The yearly Challenges, which have taken networking to the next level, have been organised by LawNet’s Member Services Manager George Coombes for the last eleven years. After completing the National Three Peaks Challenge to mark LawNet’s 25th anniversary, it was natural to step it up for the 30th, hence there are two Challenges this year.
The first, in the Lake District, has already been completed, with over 70 LawNet members tackling the Fairfield Horseshoe, the highest peak in the Eastern Fells. Most of the Kilimanjaro participants went along, so it was a good opportunity for some team bonding ahead of the special event later this year. As well as taking networking off the beaten track, the Challenge is always an opportunity for members to fundraise and this year is no different.
The Kilimanjaro trek is self-funded, and the seven-strong team will be raising funds for selected charities along the way. George himself has decided to raise money and awareness for MIND. The team will be led by trekking specialists Team Kilimanjaro on their bespoke route TK Lemosho. This unique way combines existing routes including a scenic, little-used detour known as the Northern Circuit to join a portion of the Lemosho route with a portion of the Rongai – and it avoids the busiest areas on the mountain. Climber tracking will provide a way to keep up with the team’s progress, as they take on this very special Challenge!
During the trek to the top, the team will go through five ecological zones. On day one it is likely to be 30 degrees but by summit day it will be -20 degrees! That means there is a lot to take and what makes it even tougher is the strict weight rules when trekking Kilimanjaro. No duffle bag can weigh more than 15kg, so strategic packing is required, and the team are currently looking into all the tips and tricks to make the experience run as smoothly as possible. From upside-down water bottles to providing thermals for your phone, there is an abundance of knowledge to absorb and preparation to be done way before setting foot on mountain!
You can find out more about the Kilimanjaro adventures here.
