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Intrepid Phil finishes mountain challenge
At the top of Mount Kilimanjoaro
A BUSINESS advisor from Awsworth who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro said it was ‘one of the best experiences of his life’.
Phil Poulter – who raised £1,300 for Pancreatic Cancer Research – said it was a lot harder than he expected, but the views at the summit made it worthwhile.
“It nearly killed me,” he joked.
“It was a lot, lot harder than I anticipated. There were some severe hills involved and it took me a little by surprise,” he said.
Phil and his two friends did the final eight hour climb during the night so they could see the sunrise once they got to the top.
“It was recommended to do the last part during the night so you could see down on Africa at dawn,” he said.
“It was very tough. The only light you had was on the person’s feet in front of you.
But he said the views were ‘absolutely incredible’ which made it all worthwhile.
“The views were fabulous. Absolutely incredible. Seeing the sunrise was magnificent.”
The 55-year-old said he suffered from breathlessness because of the altitude during the final couple of hours.
“I would take ten to 12 paces and be absolutely shattered,” he said.
“By the time I go to the top I was absolutely done in.”
Phil and his two pals Chris Goodwin and Paul Kirby chose to do a slightly longer route than most so it was quieter and more scenic.
Phil quit smoking after 40 years to prepare for the 19,341 foot climb.
He chose to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund because he recently lost a friend and his mother-in-law to the disease.
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Weather for Ilkeston
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
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