Many thanks to all the Clubs who have provided support and made donations to High Sight Expedition 2009.

Herewith the latest communique released by our avid mountaineers at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro :

"18 March 2009 - What can we say. A phenomenal achievement has been made by all! At 07h30 South African time, 24 of the 25 team of High Sight Expedition stood at the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, Highest Mountain in Africa, largest volcano and the one of the closest point in the world to the sun. In doing so, they broke a record of having 7non sighted climbers at the summit. Beaming with pride and excitement they are now on their way down to Kibo Huts to join with Rusty, the 8th non-sighted climber, who had to turn back at Gilmans Point; a brilliant achievement in itself as the pull up to Gilmans is long and arduous. So, every climber will come home with a certificate in their bags, proving that anything is possible in life if you just put your mind to it. I chatted with Juma, head guide a short while ago - I am not sure who was more excited, the guides or the climbers. He says it is heavy going on the descent but all are well.

Well done to all the climbers and our guides on the team, support staff of cooks and porters and for all of those that stayed behind sending love and support along the way. Thank you!"

They scheduled the summit climb for a day earlier, as the climbers were doing well, and there is bad weather expected for today and tomorrow.
So, they summited this morning (18th) at about 7h30 am our time. Lion Adrian phoned LP Shirleen (Westville Lions) from the top of Africa, very elated and awestruck at the whole experience. He sounded quite breathless, but it was great to hear from him after so many days. It was fantastic that this great achievement also coincided with his birthday. Unfortunately Rusty had to turn back at the eleventh hour, not sure of the circumstances, but he came so close, and it is still an amazing achievement. The latest news is that they have descended down to Horombo Huts, the campsite before base camp.