Kilimanjaro Project - A Q&A with Sarah Ennis

Sarah Ennis is travelling to Tanzania with Action Challenge to climb Mt Kilimanjaro to raise money and awareness for WaterAid.  

We recently sat down with Sarah Ennis to find out more about her upcoming trip to Tanzania, and to find out how we could help kit her out and raise awareness for WaterAid.

Target Dry: Could you tell us a bit about why you chose to support WaterAid?

Sarah Ennis: Unclean water is the second biggest killer of children under five years old, worldwide it kills around 700,000 children per year. That's almost 2,000 children a day.  Water and sanitation underpin health, education and livelihoods, and yet hundreds of millions of people live without this basic human right. WaterAid transform lives by drilling borehole wells and by providing clean water infrastructure.  Therefore I chose to support this charity as water is essential for life and by supporting WaterAid we are safe guarding the future health of children throughout the world.

TD: Why did you choose to climb Kilimanjaro? (as opposed to a charity walk or swim)

SE: I wanted to raise money for WaterAid by taking on a challenge that would not only be physically and mentally challenging, but would also be a once in a life time ultimate challenge.  Kilimanjaro combines all of these!

TD: What are you doing in preparation for the big climb?

SE: I train by hill walking in the Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland every week, on either a Saturday or Sunday.  I'm putting my Target Dry Xtreme Series Gear that I'm taking to Kilimanjaro to good use. I also train 3 times a week in the gym, doing aerobic exercises and weights. I also walk and run 5K outdoors two or three times a week.

TD: What are you looking forward to?

SE: I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of our group from all over Britain and Ireland.  But most of all I am looking forward to experiencing the sights, sounds, smells and cultures of East Africa.  I'm REALLY excited about the challenge of the climb, sleeping under the stars and becoming a member of a group who are bonded with a single aim of helping others in the world who are less fortunate than themselves.

TD: What are you nervous about?

SE: Altitude sickness doesn't sound like fun! But hopefully this will not be an issue as I have trained long and hard, and have opted for the slower ascent.

TD: How can people get in touch with you to support your cause?

SE: Everyone is welcome to visit my online WaterAid Donations Page  or they can visit my sponsors support group on Twitter @KilimanjaroProj

Sarah leaves for Tanzania on 11 October 2013 for her 12 Day East African Trip.  

We recently held a very successful fundraising evening with Sarah, many thanks to all who took part and contributed!  Pssst... You might recognise Sarah from the Target Dry Lifestyle Photography ;-)