Harrogate’s Mike McAvoy is more used to scaling ladders and roofs than mountains but next month he aims to reach the dizzy heights of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mike, 48, who is a familiar face around town – he runs MJM Loft Conversions – wants to push himself way out of his comfort zone by scaling Africa’s highest peak. He will be raising money for St Michael’s Hospice along the way – which Mike says does so much to help people in the Harrogate District.
He sets off on 15 September 2016 and aims to complete his gruelling 5,895-metre (19,341ft) climb in just over a week.
Mike is doing the trip with a friend Bernie Zuba, together with four of Bernie’s friends. They had their trip booked first but Mike has always dreamed of doing something like this, so he was quick to jump on board.
Mike, of West End Avenue, said:
I’m not one for sitting around and like to keep myself active. I cycle regularly and I go swimming but this is something way out of my comfort zone.
“It will be a challenge but I will be spurred on by knowing that I am raising money for a very worthwhile, local cause. I hope people will get behind me and support my charity mission.
Mike and his sons Luke, 17, and Sam,19, went with Bernie and his son, Ollie, 17, and climbed the Yorkshire Three Peaks last month. They chose a hot day, – good preparation for the temperatures in Africa, and they completed the 24-mile climb in 10 hours.
Mike’s kit list for Kilimanjaro runs to two sheets of A4 paper! Everything from waterproof extra thick, fleecy mitts to a wide brimmed hat for sun protection!
They will sleep at certain points on the mountain and need a five-season sleeping bag, to cover every weather extreme.
Anyone wanting to donate to Mike’s hospice trek can do so at www.virginmoneygiving.com/mikemcavoy
