Highlighting mental health from new heights

Buurendal resident and mountaineer Robby Kojetin will create awareness about mental health and wellness when he embarks on the first all SA ascent of the world’s second-highest mountain.

ALSO READ: Why parents need to keep their mental wellness in check

Robby, a former Lambton resident and First Germiston Scout, with three other climbers will set out to summit K2 in June.

He has previously climbed Mount Everest, five of the Seven Summits, done nine summits of Kilimanjaro and done expeditions to Peru, Alaska and East Africa.

The all-SA team will include Robby, John Black of Honeydew, Warren Eva of Benoni and Allan Dickinson of Melville.

The expedition is expected to take the team eight weeks. They will depart from SA in mid-June and return in mid-August.

With a summit of 8 611m K2, located in the Karakoram Mountain Range, it is 238m lower than Mount Everest.

Known as the savage mountain, Robby said only 377 climbers have ever stood on the summit.

Robby said by comparison over 9 000 people have reached the summit of Everest.

“Everest might be the highest, but K2 is one of the most dangerous mountains,” said Robby.

He said what makes K2 so dangerous is that the summit sticks out higher than the other peaks around it.

Additionally, the mountain is further north than Everest is.

Furthermore, Robby said K2 is steep on every side of its summit with gradients ranging from 45 to 80 degrees.

“The mountain demands 110% of your attention all the time.”

To prepare for the expedition Robby said he has been running, cycling and completing circuits of the Westcliff steps in Parkhurst.

Robby said the 203 steps provide an altitude gain of 70m and are effective because of the muscle’s groups used when exercising.

He said the group does 10 laps of the Westcliff steps with 10kg on their backs.

Additionally, Robby drags a 25kg truck tire while walking distances of 2km to 5km with a 10kg rucksack.

Community members who see him training are encouraged to cheer him on as they pass him by.

Robby explained that dragging the tire simulates the resistance of walking through snow or walking up a hill.

Before the climbers reach base camp, located at a height of 5 600m, they will have to hike 150km over eight days.

Robby said once the group has established basecamp they will progress to the summit.

As the journey to the summit cannot be done in one trip the climbers will need to return to base camp on several occasions to retrieve supplies and acclimatise.

“Given our mountaineering experience, we are confident we will be the first South African team to conquer K2.”

Robby said expedition member John has researched every death which has occurred on K2 and formulated preventative plans for the team.

“We have every intention of coming home to our families,” said Robby.

While moving towards the summit, the climbers will only carry essential items such as sleeping bags, food, medical supplies and other emergency supplies.

One of the items carried will be a 3.5m long by a 1m high banner.

The banner, which forms part of Robby’s campaign to promote mental health awareness, will be opened at the summit.

Robby said the group are aiming to summit the mountain during a weather window in the last few weeks of July.

“People may think that mountaineers are mentally tough with no issues but that is not true,” said Robby.

“I suffer from anxiety and depression and yet I overcame this to reach some of the world’s highest peaks.”

Speaking on the importance of mental health awareness, Robby said during the pandemic he saw how the number of suicides and people affected by depression and anxiety increased.

“I think everyone took a knock during Covid and in SA men often don’t speak out. If we do, we get told to walk it off, princess.”

“What I hope to start is normalising the conversation about mental health in the hopes of preventing suicide and creating awareness.”

Robby encouraged men and those struggling with mental health to reach out to friends, family members and those they trust for help and to make use of the #Ask4Help hashtag.

He urged community members who may not want to open up to people they know to contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 011 234 4837.

Robby said the objective of the banner is to help create awareness about mental health by allowing community members to purchase 11 by 7.5-centimetre blocks to spread messages of positivity from one of the highest places in the world.

He said the banner will be brought back to SA with the team and each purchased section will be sent to those who purchased them.

The blocks, which cost R1 000, will not only help promote mental health but will also fund the trip, which costs each climber R430 000.

“So far the initiative is doing well among our social circles but we would like to see it grow some more.”

Robby highlighted that his former scout troop First Germiston purchased a block on the banner.To become involved in the initiative or to purchase a block on the banner contact Robby on 082 419 2767 or K2@robby.co.za. Alternatively, visit www.k2sa2022.co.za for more information.

Also follow us on: