The peak of Neil's careers

Neil Atkinson, Associate Director (Geotechnics and Instrumentation), based in Capita Symonds' Salford office will shortly be undertaking the challenge of his lifetime by attempting to climb Africa's hightest mountain - Kilimanjaro.

Neil will be keeping us updated with his journey via our blog (first post below). So come back regularly to see how he gets on.

Neil will be raising money for Capita's nominted charity MacMillan Cancer support - go to http://www.justgiving.com/2009kilimanjaro to sponsor him.

Some interesting facts about Kilimanjaro

• The highest point on Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak, on the volcano Kibo 5,895 metres (19,341 ft).
• The summit was first reached by the Marangu army scout Yohanas Kinyala Lauwo, German Hans Meyer and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller, on October 6, 1889.
• Due to Kilimanjaro's equatorial location and high elevation, almost every climate type on earth is represented, including a year-round snow-topped summit.
• The summit of Kilimanjaro is covered by a GSM mobile phone network, and was previously the highest point in the world with mobile phone service.

Find out more about Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro: Post 1

On 2nd February 2009 I’ll be flying out to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro which at 5895 metres is the highest point on the African Continent and the Worlds tallest free standing mountain.

I have been climbing for over 25 years and I’ve always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro.

Each year a large number of people fail to get to the top (some even die!) mainly due to acute mountain sickness (AMS). This is usually due to a lack of acclimatisation. As well as having been at altitude a number of times including the Alps, Bolivia and the Himalayas, I have chosen a route that will allow plenty of time for acclimatisation.

I have also increased my running schedule to 30 miles per week and not using the lift at Emerson House, Salford. We sit on the 10th floor!

I’m also raising money for MacMillan Cancer support, so please sponsor me at http://www.justgiving.com/2009kilimanjaro

Thanks

Neil