Kilimanjaro or bust!!

[Jojo06]

Hi everyone,

I decided earlier this year to undertake a major challenge for someone with RA...to climb Kilimanjaro!!

I was diagnosed with RA in January 2006 and at the moment it's fairly calm, at least calm enough to allow me to exercise and think about doing such a madcap venture.

I began training slowly in January this year by rejoining my local gym and starting cardio and some weight training. Once I was signed up to do Kilimanjaro then the training began in earnest. So far I've been doing it for almost 3 months.At first I was resting 3 days a week and doing cardio for 90 mins on one day followed by a rest day then 45mins the next day plus weight training, then a rest day etc...once a week I had to hike for 4 hours.

Now I'm doing one day of cardio for 120mins, the next is 60 mins cardio plus weights etc with just two days of rest. Soon it'll be more plus a hike of 9 hours once a week!!

Hard to think that a year and a half ago I couldn't walk without using sticks and my boyfriend had to help me get out of bed...Those day are behind me , for the moment, at least until my return from Kilimanajaro.

Why am I doing this you ask? Well, to raise awareness, as a personal physical and mental challenge, to show other RAers that life need not stop with RA and of course to raise funds to finance research into ALL types of arthritis. I will be doing this to raise money for ARTHRITIS RESEARCH UK and I need to raise £3400.

I have a justgiving page which is justgiving.com/Joanna-Dawson0 and also a blog so you can 'do' the trek with me, JoannaTreksKilimanjaro.blog...

If you can help me raise the amount then please do , also pass the message on to others as a way of showing that even with RA we can still move!

[Hidden]

wow.. well come pay day will make a donation.. incredible.. x

[Jojo06 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Summer x

[Hidden]

Absolutely brilliant Jo. I'll keep an eye on your blog.

I'll send your blog and JG links out on twitter and facebook as there's some wonderful folks out there.

Good luck!

Jo.

[Jojo06 in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks Jo, I'll do my best.

[Hidden]

Thats fantastic!, will donate, pass the word around and follow your blog

what an inspiration!

[Jojo06 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Wiliby, I'll try my best to make it to the summit at 5895m!

[Hidden]

Yes, absolutely fantastic.

Just shows that being positive in life can be a good thing, especially with RA.

I wish you all the luck in the world, and I will donate when funds allow!

Take care and keep up the fantastic work, your an inspiration to everyone out there!

mand xx

[Hidden]

I've been thinking a lot about your blog, has made me very happy but I really surprised at the lack of comments, where are you all

[Jojo06 in reply to Hidden]

I'm glad that this blog has made you very happy, that's good to know. Also MANY thanks to you Wiliby for your donation !!

[Fede]

Simply inspiring !!!

I will link via Facebook and check your website/blog to do my "supporting" bit !

Good luck

Fede XX

[Val-NRAS]

We would love people to take part in one of our overseas/UK events in the future. Please do visit our website at nras.org.uk as we will be updating our events page very soon. Alternatively you can call me on 01628 501547 or email me at [e-mail].

Money raised at our events goes directly to helping people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis.