‘Matt’-chu Picchu trek 2019!

Matt Cox signed up to trek to Machu Picchu and raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of his cousin Mandi.

‘I saw the advert for the Ultra Adventures trek to Machu Picchu and I was instantly tempted to do it. After a chat with my wife over fundraising ideas I signed up that evening. I set up my JustGiving page so that I could give myself the maximum amount of time to hit the fundraising target, I was really pleased with the generous donations and encouragement I got! People I hadn’t seen in years were helping me to get to my target, which I hit just before Christmas 2018.

In January, I started training and once a week I would go for a hike with my Dad which was really nice as we’d not shared much time together in years. I also went to the gym, jogging and walking most evenings to help me prepare for the trek.

I’d never done anything like this before so I was looking forward to the Ultra Adventures challenge! After a few final sponsors from local businesses in exchange for their logo on my trek t-shirt I reached £5,000 for Cancer Research UK. I set off to meet the group at Heathrow airport for the journey to Peru.

We landed in Cusco where we spend the day taking in the local sites and getting acclimatised. The following day we took a trip to the beautiful rainbow mountain which was incredible and our first taste of the trekking altitude.

The following day we started the trek to Machu Picchu which spanned over 4 days with amazing sites every step of the way! There were some challenging steep sections, long downhill sections, bright blue lakes, snow-capped mountains and plenty of wildlife. The whole journey was stunning.

On the final day of the trek, we approached the sun gate where we were greeted by an incredible view of Machu Picchu. We arrived at the Machu Picchu site around 5pm which was perfect as there were hardly any other tourists which meant we could explore and capture amazing photos of the sunset over this incredible site. This was the best and most rewarding part of the experience. After a well needed nights sleep we returned to Machu Picchu in the morning for a full tour.

My Machu Picchu experience was truly unforgettable. I met some great people, had lots of fun, trekked an incredible distance and raised over £5,000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of my cousin Mandi. I’d like to thank everyone involved in making the experience, with a special thank you to Natalie, our medic who looked after us every step of the way.

If anyone is thinking about taking part in an Ultra Adventures trek, don’t think – just do! You won’t regret it.

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On Top of The World – Scott Wyper

So, in short, I did it! I made it to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro 5,895m or 19,341ft. The rooftop of Africa, the highest free-standing mountain on this planet.

“…you realise what humans are capable of!”

Sorry to anyone who wanted an update sooner, but I came back and wanted to settle back into what is deemed to be normality for a week and let it all really sink in before writing this post. I felt there was something kinda final about posting this and letting everyone know and I suppose I didn’t/don’t really want this experience to be over. But it is and when you come back down with a bump you realise what a truly amazing experience it was from start to finish.

It’s weird being back after 7 days on the mountainside with one sole purpose. To walk and keep on walking until you get to the top. Things are different, after spending a fair chunk of the time in your own head and the rest with a bunch of people who were strangers to me when we met at the airport or when we met on day one in Tanzania, you realise what humans are capable of.

Coming together with a common goal and bonding in a way that is very unique I could not have asked to set out on the mission with a better bunch of absolute legends, everyone with their own reasons for being there. All bringing their own personality and additions to the group dynamic. We all got each other up and down with support, banter, grit and determination. I really have made a troop of friends for life, the bond we have forged is a very special one that could only come from such an expedition.

I have said to a few people now I kinda feel like it was two adventures the first part getting to base camp. Different terrain each day, being woken with an African song and dance. Getting higher each day and your lungs, legs and mind being tested a little each day. Getting to know the group, the porters and guides (who by the way are superhuman) with every step.

Then the second adventure was summit night/day. To say it was hard is an understatement. Setting off at midnight and walking for 12hrs. the conditions were insane, -20 and the rest with 60-70mph winds, packed ice that was like walking on an ice rink with glass shoes on. I had to dig deeper than I ever have before, deeper than I knew I could and for hours on end. It took every fibre in my body, mind and soul to keep pushing. But with my comrades support one foot in front of the other sometimes having to literally crawl WE did it. What a feeling, what an experience, what a life changer.

I could go on and on but I’m going to leave it at that for now. So many memories and stories to tell and photos to share, but let’s talk about them the next time we meet. I can’t wait to catch up with you all and tell you ALL about it.

Thanks to all my Tanzanian brothers and thanks to all my new friends we did it TOGETHER!

Lastly thanks to all who donated to the cause getting my JustGiving total for Cancer Research UK up to nearly £8,300 which is £8,800 including gift aid truly amazing. As a group we are upwards of £80,000 It’s not too late yet if you still want to contribute my page is open for a few more weeks we are trying to get to £100,000

http://www.justgiving.com/Scott-Wyper?utm_id=26

Linda Climbs Kilimanjaro

Linda climbed Kilimanjaro in June 2018 as part of the Ultra Adventures Team, here’s her account of the experience.

“Articulating my experience of climbing Kilimanjaro is simply impossible! It was an incredible, life-changing experience from start to finish.

I had no experience climbing before and I was greeted at the airport by a team of amazingly motivated, inspiring, warm-hearted people and instantly I knew there would only be one outcome. I felt safe with the team and our brilliant medic Natalie, and we were all there for the same shared reason, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Amazing motivated group climb Kilimanjaro

From the first day of climbing, with adrenaline rushing through us, I received nothing but constant support, kindness, motivational chats, banter, empathy, encouragement and an abundance of laughter! We were all from different walks of life, but we took care of each other.

The beauty of the mountain is breathtaking, the views are indescribable. You push yourself beyond your limits and share an experience with people that you may not see in person again. But the bond we share is one that words can’t describe and I find it hard to verbalise.

Breathtaking views up Mount Kilimanjaro

I’d like to wish everyone Good Luck. Enjoy every single minute of the most unique and truly phenomenal days that you may ever have!”

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Scott Takes on Kilimanjaro

I’m always someone that likes to challenge myself and when an opportunity from Ultra Adventures came along to climb Kilimanjaro, I was instantly interested!

Register today for your spot on the next trip to Mount Kilimanjaro!

Being a former Royal Air Force Physical Training Instructor I’ve been physically and mentally pushed to my limits but this trip was something different. There were 15 of us who started, all complete strangers to me but by the end of the 7 days, from what we experienced, I now consider them much more than friends! The local support crew from Ashanti Tours were incredible and made the trip that extra bit special.

Scott Kilimanjaro group photo with Ultra Adventures

New Year, New Experience – Take On An Ultra Adventure

Have you ever wanted to experience one of the seven wonders of the world? Or climb the highest mountain in Africa? Because I have. Machu Picchu and Mount Kilimanjaro have always been on my bucket list! In 2018 I want to experience as much as I can and along the way, help raise money for charity.

I have always wanted to do new and exciting things for charity but a run or a swimathon never excited me, so this year I will be taking a big challenge and getting ready to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu. I know it’s going to be hard but I also know it will be worth it!

Knowing that Ultra Events have their sights set on raising £17M for Cancer Research UK as their next milestone, has spurred me on even more, to be a part of it.

I took part in Ultra White Collar Boxing in 2015 and since then I haven’t done anything as exciting to raise money for charity. As soon as Ultra Adventures popped up on my screen I immediately read all about it.

I can only imagine the feeling of walking through the phenomenal viewpoints and stunning scenery on the Inca trail and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. The pictures I have seen are amazing and being able to have the chance to see it in person, made me jump to the chance. 

I cannot wait to start my journey with Ultra Adventures.

Jon climbs Mount Kilimanjaro and raises £8,000 for charity!

I have supported Cancer Research UK for many years and have done various challenges to raise as much money as possible. In June 2017, I took on my biggest challenge yet – Mount Kilimanjaro!

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free standing mountain in the world. I knew it was going to be tough, I was going to have to train hard, but I also knew that is was going to be an incredible experience. The great thing about Mount Kilimanjaro is that it is non-technical which means almost anyone can do it!

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