Dad’s Life-Changing Mountain Trek Set to Earn Thousands of Pounds for Popular Charity

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May 10, 2016/ Off Comments / in General News / by
Dad’s Life-Changing Mountain Trek Set to Earn Thousands of Pounds for Popular Charity

Preparing to climb the world’s highest free-standing mountain has proved a life-altering experience for Jason Lumley. The dad-of-one from Watkins Lane, Sturton le Steeple near Gainsborough is in training for an expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Once a self-confessed fitness-phobic, Jason, a Business Development Manager for timber specialists SR Timber, is in the midst of a strict exercise and dietary regime for the seven-day trek starting on August 21st. The routine has seen him shed nearly a stone in weight and gain a whole new outlook in the process.

Jason, 43, said: “I used to spend a good deal of my weekend socialising with friends – now I spend it in the gym. Friends and family are shocked by my change of lifestyle, but I’ve really got the bug for exercise and adventure. I’ve worked and played hard all my life, and I’ve always loved a challenge. Climbing Kilimanjaro is the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced.”

Jason, who is based at SR Timber’s Head Office in Derby, will embark on the charity-based hike with colleague Richard Stone. The pair will begin their trek close to the border between Tanzania and Kenya before summiting at Uhuru Peak – 5,895m above sea level. Their trip, including equipment, is sponsored by SR Timber as part of the company’s tenth anniversary celebrations.

Earlier this year, in preparation for the greater challenge which lies ahead, Jason and Richard tackled Wales’ Mount Snowdon – a sixth of the size of Mount Kilimanjaro. Bad weather put a stop to their expedition before they reached the top, but for Jason, whose previous mountaineering experience amounted to a “climb to the fifth floor of a hotel”, it was a major achievement.

“I’m not the fittest man in the world but I’m making good progress,” he said.
“Because I spend a lot of my time behind the wheel, finding time to keep fit isn’t easy. But for the past couple of months I’ve been doing 10,000 steps per day.”

Having studied blogs from climbers who have conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, Jason said the toughest aspect to his trek is likely to be coping with the effects of altitude. He will be climbing as part of a larger group which includes experienced mountaineers, so it’s a potential problem for which he’ll receive expert guidance.

As well as achieving a sense of personal satisfaction, the pair hope the adventure will raise more than £5,000 for the British Heart Foundation. Fit and raring to go, Jason is excited at the prospect of tackling Kilimanjaro’s unforgiving peaks.

He’s also looking to the post-climb celebrations and reacquainting himself with a pleasure he is currently denied. I’m going to enjoy a big glass of champagne on my return from the top,” he said. “Then Richard and I will prepare for our next challenge – a climb up Ben Nevis.”

“On behalf of the two of us I’d like to say a huge thank-you to SR Timber for supporting our once in a lifetime adventure.”

To sponsor Jason, visit the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/SR-Timber-Kilimanjaro or text GOSR89 and the amount you wish to donate (e.g. GOSR89 £3) to 70070. You’ll also have the chance to add an extra 25%, with Gift Aid, to your donation at no extra charge.