Rising to New Heights for Unpaid Carers: Clare’s Kilimanjaro Challenge

A Hertfordshire woman is getting ready to climb the world’s tallest free-standing mountain to raise funds for Carers in Hertfordshire to support unpaid carers, while shining a spotlight on carers and the services available to help them.

Clare, from Hemel Hempstead, is preparing to take on her biggest physical challenge yet – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro this September. She has chosen to dedicate her climb to raising awareness and support for unpaid carers across Hertfordshire.

The idea to support a cause came to Clare a few days before she started volunteering with Carers in Hertfordshire – helping at a fundraising event on Sunday 9th August. With encouragement and help from the charity, her fundraising page went live the following day. Within a week, Clare’s generous network had helped her reach more than 60% of her target.

For Clare, the climb is about more than reaching the summit. She said: “Kilimanjaro is about stepping forward with strength, purpose and shining a light on unpaid carers. What began as a personal challenge has transformed into a powerful journey. I’m now climbing for unpaid carers, a meaningful charity, and every donor who has shown such tremendous support.”

Clare understands how demanding and invisible caring can be as she has supported various family members over the years. She said: “Caring requires perseverance, inner strength and motivation every day. Carers carry enormous responsibility often quietly. Carers in Hertfordshire stands up for them and gives them a voice.”

To prepare for the eight day expedition, Clare has been training for several months, gradually intensifying her varied routines at Nuffield Health in Hemel Hempstead. Clare said: “Nuffield Health has been very supportive and I’m grateful for the encouragement from instructors, staff and members.”

Her training includes strength, cardio, endurance, swimming, yoga and high intensity sessions designed to build resilience.

Clare has also incorporated coastal training in heavy trekking boots, using the sea groynes as an obstacle course. She also practises nasal-breathing runs to build stamina and CO₂ tolerance. She said: “My training has been steadily building, I’m getting stronger, fitter, and faster.”

Clare values the support she has received from Carers in Hertfordshire and has taken part in several courses and activities offered by the charity. These have included meditation, journaling, wreath making, a visit to an observatory, and a ski course at Hemel Snow Centre.

She said: “I’m a confident snowboarder, and being able to get back on the slopes through the sessions Carers in Hertfordshire offered was incredible. I hadn’t been for a long time due to my caring responsibilities and work, so reconnecting with that exhilaration and joy meant a great deal to me.”

Clare has previous experience with high altitude trekking, including Mount Toubkal in Morocco. She knows what long days and steep climbs feel like.

At the summit, Clare plans to raise a Carers in Hertfordshire banner. She said: “I’ll raise the banner for every unpaid carer, and for all the supporters and donors who’ve carried this challenge with me.”

Clare hopes her challenge will guide unpaid carers towards the vital support Carers in Hertfordshire provides. She is aiming to exceed her £1,000 fundraising target. She said: “Unpaid carers deserve visibility, support and recognition.”

To support Clare’s Kilimanjaro challenge, visit https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/clare-climbs-mount-kilimanjaro

Carers in Hertfordshire supports unpaid carers in Hertfordshire. For support, email contact@carersinherts.org.uk or call 01992 58 69 69.