Ignacio Córdoba
September 29, 2018
Jan Vercruysse
September 23, 2018James Harden
Job Title:
Data Engineer, Glass’s SMR Maintenance Repair Data
Why do you want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
I think it will be a great challenge, both physically and mentally, to see if I could make it to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. I like to take myself out of my comfort zone, and this would be a great chance to do that. The opportunity to do this, with like-minded colleagues from all over Europe, will be an immense one.
What do you think will be your biggest challenge?
Something you can’t prepare for really is the altitude. This could well be an unknown challenge, because you never know how you might react in the thinner air at 19,000 feet. I have cycled up two famous French mountain climbs in Alpe d’Huez and Mont Ventoux, and although neither of these is quite as high as Kilimanjaro, hopefully riding a bicycle at those heights will put me in good stead for the challenge of reaching Uhuru Peak!
How are you planning to raise money for UNICEF?
Once I was chosen for the Kilimanjaro climb, I immediately tried to think of other activities I could do to aid my fundraising efforts. These efforts actually began a month ago when I took part in the Brighton Marathon, and will continue in June when I cycle 140 miles in the Brecon Beacons in Wales . I am also adding in two other cycle rides – 100 miles in the Chilterns and then a ride over the Stelvio Pass in Italy. Once these are all done I barely have time to rest before the first Kilimanjaro warm-up walking event takes place in October!
If there was going to be a team playlist for your Kili climb, what three songs would you choose?
Searching through my music library and picking songs I like based on their connection to mountains (!), I think three would be ‘Such Great Heights’ by The Postal Service, ‘This Year’ by The Mountain Goats and then ‘Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)’ by Arcade Fire.
What luxury item are you planning to bring with you to Kilimanjaro?
Hmm, this one takes some thinking about… I would imagine anything to make sleeping easier or more comfortable, although I reckon I may well be tired enough to drop straight off! A sleep eye mask perhaps?
What is your favourite chocolate bar?
Back in the day (20+ years ago now) there was a limited edition Apple Pie & Custard flavour Drifter bar. That was heaven in a chocolate bar!
Is there anything you are dreading about the Challenge?
As I guess a few others might say, it’s probably the lack of ‘facilities’, with nowhere to shower or to properly go to the toilet! I’m not looking forward to that too much…
What part of the Challenge are you looking forward to most?
Summiting I think. Apart from the actual feeling I would undoubtedly get if I am lucky enough to reach Kilimanjaro’s peak, I can imagine the views from the top would be amazing. I have seen photos of and spoken to people who have taken on the challenge themselves, and they all tell me it is totally worth it. Seeing the curvature of the earth from the highest point in Africa would be unlike anything else I have experienced.
