This summer two groups of students from Bath University successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising thousands of pounds for Childreach international. Jack Barrett tells his story...

Touching down at Heathrow I felt the pressure of the previous week dissolve. This was it; the finish line, we had done it! Exhausted and covered in mosquito bites we greeted our families, who were eagerly awaiting our tale...

I had discovered the Climb Kilimanjaro for Kids Challenge Events invite on Facebook several months earlier, amidst the party and ‘zombie’ applications. Normally I would ignore such an invite, convincing myself I don’t have the time or know-how to undertake such a challenge. But this seemed different from the average student fundraising trip; it was a real adventure, which would push me to my limits.

Following a series of meetings we faced out first major challenge; to raise £2300 to fund the excursion. Using some creative tactics we managed to encourage our cash strapped fellow students to donate generously and we were soon ready for departure.

After a long flight and perilous nine hour drive across African terrain, we arrived at Moshi Primary School, where our funding would be spent. The kids were incredibly friendly and enthusiastic about the team games we played. Despite our differences we were united by football, a sport which all the local children love.

One sleepless night later, we were driven to the gates of the Kilimanjaro National Park. Joined by two lead guides Raymond and Herman and a team of 120 porters and chefs, we began the ascent.

Encouraged to walk slowly, we headed towards the Machame Village at a height of 1490m. Trudging for hours through dense foggy jungle, we eventually arrived at Shira Plateau which offers incredible views, a real taste of the summit. But by the time we reached 3840m, the lack of oxygen became too much and many of the group succumbed to altitude sickness, which causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and hallucinations.

After the third day of trekking it was time to acclimatise at Lava Tower, which is situated 4630m above sea level. A comedy yoga class boosted the group’s mood and our pulse and oxygen levels were checked. Despite illness, everyone passed with flying colours and we headed downwards to camp out before hitting the final stretch.

Besides altitude sickness, we had the bitter cold to contend with, as temperatures dropped below -20. Battling towards the peak we glimpsed the sun, piercing through the cloud, urging us to continue. As the temperature lifted, so did our spirits and we could finally see the finish line. Standing at 5895m was Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Africa. The spectacular view, which allows you to see the earth’s curvature, was worth the pain. Although exhausted we felt elated; we had all made it, against the odds.

It was an experience like no other and I made some incredible friends on the journey. Above all, our trip of a lifetime supported a fantastic charity, which affords some inspiring children the opportunities they deserve.

With more expeditions taking place in 2011, this year it’s your chance to sign up. It will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life and more fun than you could ask for.

Pick your next challenge with Childreach International.

Jack's group reach the summit of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro