IT was an emotional moment as La Lucia residents, Massimo and Daniela Dus took their final steps up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro’s 19,341 feet. Standing atop the highest free-standing mountain in the world, the father and daughter took in the breath taking view of the thick forest and dusty plains of Tanzania below. Besides completing one of their collective dreams, the duo had a quiet moment of contemplation of what they had achieved.

The intrepid duo scaled Africa’s highest peak for CHOC the Childhood Cancer Foundation of SA in the hope of bringing awareness and raising funds for the organisation. They unfurled a flag bearing the foundations logo and hundreds of signatures by children who are being treated for cancer at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.

“We didn’t conquer Kilimanjaro. As we reached the top, it mean far more than saying we conquered the Africa’s highest peak. For me and Daniela this was a spiritual and an emotional journey and the support from our family, friends and the children we were doing this for was what ultimately drove us. It was a celebration of the power of love and the irrepressible nature of the human spirit,” Massimo said.

“We were truly blessed throughout the climb with sunny weather, which was highly unusual according to our guides. Our hope is to inspire others to take up this challenge for the organisation.”

The six day trek up and down Mt Kilimanjaro has been a dream come true for 17-year-old Daniela.

“It was surreal and humbling experience. Our guides were amazing throughout our journey, they kept checking on us and repeated the words, Pule Pule, which means slowly slowly in Swahili. The scenery was awesome and completing this journey with my dad made it much more special,” the excited teenager said.

“I called my mom and sister, from the top of the mountain and couldn’t contain my emotions. It’s hard to put into words what we achieved.”

Massimo, also praised his daughter for her strength on the climb. “I was awed by her determination and strength. Daniela was a real
soldier and that was a highlight for me, we both fed off each other’s motivation,” he said.

“I’ve always had quite an adventurous spirit. My dad and I love hiking and this has always been a collective dream. Now I am determined to do something positive for others suffering from this dreaded disease,” she said.

To Donate: If you would like to donate pay directly into the foundation’s bank account: CHOC-DURBAN, Standard Bank, Killarney, account number 241 319 978 (branch code 007-205). You can track your donation by visiting www.givengain.com