This is an email sent today by one trekker to the other 18 trekkers.  Totally inspirational and heartfelt, therefore I have asked if I can share it on our blog and he has kindly agreed.  Enjoy…

Team CMN,

Bizarrely I found myself on the flight home from Nairobi to Heathrow unable to sleep all the way through, not because I was not completely exhausted from what has truly been an epic adventure over the past 10 days, but more I think because there was something which I wanted to say to you all and had not yet said.

So I thought I would spend the time productively, to write a few lines, something which I probably could not have said directly without becoming more than a little emotional.

In a rare moment of clarity, several hundred vertical metres below Stella Point, I looked around at the team in the darkness, covered head to toe in ice, all well beyond being freezing cold and clearly physically and mentally exhausted, whilst Kilimanjaro threw everything it had at us……and then some!! (Josh / Tom, I don’t think that mountain took too kindly to the ” we are going to smash it’s head in remark”).

I am somewhat embarrassed to say that it was at this moment (and not long before) that it really hit home to me, the massive personal, physical, emotional (and not forgetting financial) sacrifices that you have all made to participate in this awesome challenge and in doing so raise such a phenomenal amount of money for Caring Matters Now.

I know I speak for every parent, family member or friend of someone who has been diagnosed with CMN, when I say a massive thank you to each and every one of you for what you have all collectively achieved. I am sure you don’t need me to tell you what the kind of difference the amount of cash raised will make to a small charity such as Caring Matters Now.

For me, as I am sure for the rest of you, the last 10 days have been particularly challenging, but at the same time hugely satisfying and enjoyable.

What I believe made the trip so satisfying and enjoyable for me, was being fortunate enough to be a member of a team of highly motivated individuals, all pulling together for a common purpose.

I think the team really worked,  we had such a mix of characters, but every one of you was fantastic company and I feel very fortunate to had the opportunity to share the time and the experience with you.

As we all trudged towards Millennium Camp in the snow, in soaking wet clothing, for our final night under canvas, (as they say in Tanzania to sleep “like a fat baby”) I overheard our “Rab” clad leader (www.markkalch.com) saying, ” it is amazing what the human body can endure”.

Although I hate to admit it, he was right,  for me it reinforced something which I have believed for a long time….”What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”!

So one final thought to be proud of!

Remember in over 170 ascents of Mt Kilimanjaro, our head guide Mekke said to me he had never experienced weather as bad as we faced on Summit night! In spite of this “Team CMN” completed it’s goal!

So as a parent of a little boy with CMN, from the bottom of my heart, once again a big thank you to you all, for everything you have done!

Take care, be lucky and most of all stay safe!

See you all soon.