Family trio to climb Kilimanjaro

Lucas, Paul and Elaine before climbing Ben Nevis

Lucas has been in training for Kilimanjaro since he finished his Lands End to John O Groats cycle in July, another of the events he has completed in fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Trust through 2011.  Lucas, Paul and Elaine commence their climb on the 9th for 8 days and are due to summit on the 16th.  Lucas was asked to do the climb by his brother in law, Paul Hayes of Macclesfield, who is supporting Make a Wish Foundation.  Lucas' aunt Elaine, is travelling in from her home in Luasanne, Switzerland, where she has had plenty of mountains (of lesser heights) to train.  Lucas and Paul have both been doing UK mountains – including Snowdon, Scafel Pike, Pen-y-gent and all 21 of the Malvern Hills

 As part of their training, they all climbed Ben Nevis in mid August, with two friends, and both Paul and Lucas ran the Bristol Half Marathon on 11 September, where Lucas ran his fastest ever time over the 13.1 mile distance in 1:34:29.  This is also on the back of his second fastest ever marathon only two weeks earlier, when he ran a lap of Guernsey on 28 August in 3:36:08.  This was an extra Marathon to the four in four weeks completed in April/May and before a final Marathon on 4 December in Lisbon.  "I really wanted to push the boat out this year" Lucas said "and the extra marathons are to push myself that bit more and take advantage of the positive impact the cross training has had". Elaine added “The mountain climb up Ben Nevis was fantastic. The clouds lifted as we summited”

"I've been inspired by Lucas' efforts since I married his sister, Ange, and thought I'd ask if he wanted to add climbing Kilimanjaro to this year's extensive itinerary" Paul commented.  The family has already had 24 members and friends run the Bath Half Marathon & Fun run in March. “I’m now getting nervous about Kilimanjaro, but everything is ready the only thing that can cause a problem is the unknown impact the altitude may have on us” Paul went on.

Lucas spent time with friends with two children suffering the life shortening disease, which has an average life expectancy of 31 years old – younger than himself. “It’s given me a much better understanding of what I’m raising funds for – If research can help extended the lives of CF sufferers, – then everything I do this year will be worth the effort” Lucas stated. Other challenges Lucas has completed this year are a mile swim  in Lake Windermere in and a bike ride from  Land's End to John O Groat's over 9 days in July. Lucas will be sporting the CFT logo in his hair during the climb, compliments of Tim Hanson at Razors in Beverley, when he pops in just before travelling out this week.

If anyone wishes to support Lucas, please go to www.justgiving.com/lucas10thanniversary