Last updated at 11:50, Friday, 15 March 2013

An intrepid trio from a health club are readying themselves to take on the might of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.

Suzy Fitton, Carol Eland and Claire Patterson

Carol Eland, a pastoral care manager at Workington Sixth Form College, is one of three women preparing for the challenge.

With her will be Claire Patterson, an instructor at Bannatyne’s Health Club and Spa in Carlisle, and long-standing member Suzy Fitton. Carol is also a member of the gym.

They set off on their trek, in aid of local charities, yesterday on a Tanzanian expedition that will last eight days and take them to an altitude of 5,895m.

Carol, who is also vice-chairman of Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service, said: “By completing the trek, we will be helping worthwhile charities. I’m sure this will give us the will to push on during tough times on the climb.”

Claire, 45, said: “We are no strangers to fundraising for charity but none of us are accomplished trekkers, so the expedition will be a real test. I have completed charity events before, including cycling events and marathons, but getting to grips with Kilimanjaro will be the ultimate challenge.”

Claire, Suzy and Carol will scale Kilimanjaro as part of Sisters to the Summit, the first women’s only expedition to the peak. The trio are hoping to raise between £1,000 and £2,000 each.

Claire is completing the climb in aid of Carlisle-based Eden Valley Hospice.

Carol is raising money for the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, which has spent £47,000 helping children in Cumbria.

Suzy, 36, is raising money for the Cumbria Wheelchair Sports charity.

They have followed a tough training schedule.

Claire said: “We have been out fell walking most weekends with a group that runs from the health club.

Suzy, who took part in the New York Marathon in 2011, said: “We have been working on our core strengths at the health club, trying to build up the muscles we will be putting a lot of strain on.

“The main problem is that the thin air that there will be at such a high altitude is something we cannot prepare for.”

Hazel Graham, general manager of Bannatyne’s in Carlisle, said: “The challenge that Carol, Claire and Suzy are taking on is amazing. To take the physical and mental strain that they will have placed on them all in the name of charity is admirable.

“All three of the charities do fantastic, worthwhile work supporting people with illness and disabilities.

“I am sure that the staff and members of the health club will get behind the ladies and help them achieve, and hopefully surpass their £2,000 targets.”

First published at 11:34, Friday, 15 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk