This September, a dedicated group of fundraisers will be swapping their everyday routines for hiking boots and head torches as they take on the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, all in support of Prevent Breast Cancer.
But before they set foot on Africa’s highest peak, they’re putting in the hard work right here in the UK, including a visit to the Manchester Institute of Health and Performance (MIHP) for a specialist session in altitude training.
What is altitude training?
Altitude training is a method used by athletes and adventurers to prepare their bodies for the reduced oxygen levels found at high elevations. As you climb higher, the air becomes thinner, meaning there’s less oxygen available with each breath. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and in some cases, altitude sickness.
To combat this, altitude training simulates high-altitude conditions in a controlled environment, like the state-of-the-art facilities at MIHP, helping our intrepid trekkers gradually prepare their bodies for the physical demands of trekking at over 5,800 metres above sea level.
Why it matters for Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is a serious physical and mental challenge. One of the biggest hurdles is the altitude itself. Many climbers experience symptoms of altitude sickness as they climb, which can impact their ability to reach the summit.
By incorporating altitude training into their preparation, our team is giving themselves the best possible chance of success.
A day at MIHP
During their visit to MIHP, the group experienced simulated high-altitude conditions under expert supervision. From treadmill sessions in oxygen-controlled rooms to breathing exercises and performance assessments, the training was tailored to mimic the conditions they’ll face on the mountain.
We’re incredibly grateful to MIHP, operated by Nuffield Health, for generously offering this training free of charge. Their support has not only helped our climbers physically prepare for the challenge ahead but allowed them to bond and reflect on the reason behind the climb: to raise vital funds and awareness for Prevent Breast Cancer.
For many of the climbers, the altitude training session at MIHP was a first glimpse into the physical demands they’ll face on Kilimanjaro. The experience was eye-opening, energising, and a reminder of just how important preparation is when taking on a challenge of this scale.
Dave Lowe is one of the trekkers gearing up for his Kilimanjaro adventure and here’s what he had to say about the training:
It was really good and interesting, and you do get that experience that you wanted from it. The staff really looked after us and made us feel welcome.
Climbing for a cause
With just days to go before they embark on their once-in-a-lifetime adventure, our incredible team of Kilimanjaro climbers are making their final preparations for the challenge ahead.
Their dedication over the past few months, from training hikes to altitude sessions, has been nothing short of inspiring.
We’re incredibly proud of their efforts and deeply grateful for their support, and as they set off on this extraordinary journey, we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.
Please consider donating to support their climb and help fund life-saving research into the prevention of breast cancer.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
