Over the last 6 years I have taken up mountain climbing and trekking as hobbies. It all started with a trek in the Andes and reaching Machu Picchu. Since then I have undergone many treks back home and completed the Three Peaks Challenge last year (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon).
What inspired me to trek Kilimanjaro? Well, during one of my clinics, one of the patients described their bladder tumour as looking similar to a mountain with a crater on the top - like a volcano. Then, later that same day I happened to catch a documentary of volcanoes on television. There was a piece done on Kilimanjaro as it is the tallest volcano in the world, and that was my inspiration.
I was also reminded of the slowly declining 5-survival rate we’ve seen in the UK over last few decades by the high volume of patients I had been diagnosing with a bladder tumour of late. I wanted to raise money for bladder tumour by doing something I enjoy and all the pieces just seem to fall into place for me to trek Kilimanjaro.
I had previously read some inspiring testimonials written by previous fundraisers. Some of them had actually been patients themselves who then raised money for the disease from which they had suffered. It was fascinating as well as inspiring to learn about some of the incredible feats achieved in the name of charity.
The causes TUF supports are ones which apply to patients (funding research) and trainees like myself (funding training and education) to promote better healthcare as a whole.
I raised £250. I lot of these were personal donations by work colleagues and some were by friends on my online giving webpage.
I got in touch with a friend who is more of an expert trekker and mountain climber than myself and he helped me devise a 6-week training regime which was a mixture of circuit training, cardiovascular exercises and muscle-building exercises for the lower limbs. I joined a gym near to my home and work and stuck to a strict regime of going to the gym after work before going home.
Planning in advance is the key to success. Also don’t be shy to spread the word – people will appreciate it if you share the work you’re doing with them and will be more willing to back you if you relate your story and inspiration.
If you're planning your own trek for TUF or would like to find out more about upcoming challenges contact Sayara on 020 7713 9538, or email fundraising@theurologyfoundation.org
