Kilimanjaro conquered by Blue and Shorts

I am very pleased to report that after 5 hard days of trekking and climbing the flags of both Blue Group and Shorts Services Ascot were proudly unveiled at the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in Africa early on the morning of 02/03/2010 with all 4 of us reaching the summit.

Our small group of Gary Short, Alan Dalton, Mark Walker and myself had trained very hard for this but no training could prepare anyone for what lay ahead. Gary has been one of Blue Groups best customers since buying his first machine in 1993 and it was a pleasure to accompany him on this amazing unforgettable climb. At the summit which is just under 6000m above sea level the temperature was a very cold -15 C to -25 C with oxygen in the mountain air at approx 50%. This is the highest point in the African Continent and the highest point of any free standing mountain in the world. To put it into perspective its almost 4 miles above sea level.

Obviously at this altitude Severe Mountain Sickness is a real issue and we had our share of problems with headaches, dizziness, lack of appetite despite needing the calories as we progressed, but we stayed focused and it was worth the considerable struggle. If you ever get to Uhuru Peak on Kili sometime in the future look out for the Blue flag and let me know if it still hangs on the flagpole?

I am mindful that with a lot of charity requests it's impossible to give to all , however if you would like to donate a small amount please send a cheque made payable to CHERRY TREES, a home that provides temporary respite care for children and young adults with severe learning and physical disabilities. This local charity founded in 1980 is located near Guildford in Surrey and does fantastic work. The charity No is 800222 and website www.cherry-trees.co.uk

Please post the cheques to our office at Blue London, 39A Portsmouth Road in Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JQ and I will personally deliver them with 100% going to the charity.

Many Thanks

Eugene Donnelly